Waka – 01/22/2016 – 6:09 to

At 0606hr a 11m twin hulled waka on a coastal voyage with 6 POB attempted to cross the Whakatane Bar.  It was caught on a wave and broached and capsized. The incident was seen by surfers and other observers and the alarm was raised.  It was high tide at 0606hr with a rough sea and 2.5m swells. Whakatane Rescue and Port Whakatane were launched and with surfers and others rescued the 6 crew of the waka from the water.  At 0630 it was reported that all people were safe and accounted for.  The waka later washed up near Wairaka Rock and was lifted from the water by crane and taken to storage ashore.  Many thanks to all those who assisted with the rescue.