Engine problem – 02/28/2017 – 13:38 to 14:10

At 1338hr a boat with 2 POB reported 500m off the Whakatane bar with an engine problem and requested a tow back to Whakatane harbour.Sea conditions were good with an outgoing tide no significant swell and a N wind of 9-12kts.An all stations call was made and the boat was taken under tow. Both boats crossed the bar and were in the channel when the tow rope broke.Fortunately they were being followed by another boat which took over the tow and all vessels were safely back at the boat ramp at 1410hrs.A big thank you to both the good samaritans.