Motor – 04/22/2016 – 10:03 to 19:40

At 1003hr a 11.5 tonne, 13m steel cutter with 3 POB reported that it had engine problems and needed assistance to get to port for repairs. It was on a voyage from Bay of Islands to Dunedin and was 15nm ENE of Whakatane. The sea was calm with a slight wind. Arrangements were made for the cutter to sail towards Whakatane and anchor off the bar and await high tide at 1928hr. However, the wind dropped away completely and the boat was becalmed.  Whakatane Rescue was tasked to tow the boat to Whakatane to cross the bar on the high tide. Whakatane Rescue was launched at 1644hr and rendezvoused with the cutter at 1712hr. The boat was taken under tow and crossed the bar at 1932hr.