At 1250hr Whakatane Coastguard became involved with an incident that took place over a few days. A 6.7m yacht with 1 POB was in transit from Napier to Auckland. Friends became concerned when the yacht had not contacted them. Maritime NZ, SARCC, and Police were informed and an air search was activated. The boat was found safely anchored in a bay north of Tologa Bay. The yacht had flat batteries and could not operate its radio.
A few days later it sheltered at Whanarua Bay. Opotiki Rescue was tasked to deliver a VHF radio to the yacht at Whanarua Bay which was a round trip of about 70nm. The following day, Opotiki Rescue was training at sea and encountered the yacht. It was decided to take it under tow to Whakatane. At 1250hr Whakatane Rescue was tasked to meet Opotiki Rescue off Opotiki and take over the tow.
At 1351hr Whakatane Rescue rendezvoued with Opotiki Rescue and took over the tow. The sea became rough with 2m swells and it was not safe to tow the yacht over the Whakatane Bar so it was decided to anchor it overnight at Whale Island and recommence the tow to Whakatane next morning. At 1603hr Whakatane Rescue was safely back in port. Next morning the tow was completed to Whakatane.
07 308 7110
admin@coastguardwhakatane.nz
