Motor – 01/24/2015 – 10:26 to

A 6m fibreglass hard top boat with 4 POB called for assistance east of Whale Island and 6.8nm from Whakatane.  The boat reported engine problems that resulted in the boat only able to make slow progress towards Whakatane and requested a tow.  The weather conditions were good with 9-12kt winds from NNW and a low northerly swell.  Whakatane Rescue was called out 10.42hr and with a crew of 4 was in the water at 11.04hr.  The boat was met at 11.15hr and taken under tow arriving at Whakatane boat ramp at 11.30hr.