Steering – 12/27/2015 – 13:47 to

A 7.5m aluminium boat with 3 POB reported that it had steering problems and requested assistance.  The boat was at the 60m mark off Ohope.  The sea conditions were good with 10-12kt wind from NNE and low swell. At 1348hr an all stations alert was broadcast and a good samaritan offered to assist.  Initially the good samaritan followed the boat but at 1421hr it reported that it had the vessel under tow but would require assistance crossing the Whakatane bar. At 1528hr the boats were standing off the bar and Whakatane Rescue was tasked to tow the boat over the bar while the good samaritan stood on watch. At 1600hr Whakatane Rescue took the boat under tow and all boats were safely back in port at 1610hr.  Many thanks to the good samaritan.