Possible upturned boat – 10/30/2016 – 9:10 to 11:30

At 0910hr a member of the public at Matata called Whakatane Coastguard with a possible sighting of an upturned boat with 3 or 4 people all wearing life jackets.The boat was off the beach at Matata.Whakatane Rescue was on a training exercise so was tasked to carry out a search.The sea conditions were very good with a 7-13kt wind from the SSE and a calm sea.Another boat was in the are and assisted in the search.The Police were also tasked to assist by obtaining more information from the person reporting the incident.After an extensive search with no outcome Whakatane Rescue was stood down at 1130hr and returned to port. A big thank you to the good samaritan who assisted in the search.