2 March 2011

Surf Lifeguards rescued over 30 passengers from the East by West ferry travelling between Eastborne and Central Wellington this morning.

Worser Bay Lifeguards Murray Phipps-Black and Brook Rapson were first on the scene after Rapson saw the incident unfold from his Worser Bay home. The pair launched the Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) within minutes of the incident and ferried over 30 passengers safely back to shore in rough seas.

“It was extremely fortunate that Brook saw the incident unfold which meant we could respond instantly. Our IRB’s are absolutely essential and ideal for this sort of emergency and we were able to maneuver very close to the ferry to get passengers onboard easily and quickly,” said Phipps-Black.

The pair made over six trips, with five or six passengers on each trip, enabling them to get very rapidly to shore and to the safety of the Worser Bay Surf Life Saving Club.

“We were able to respond particularly quickly which was critical to the success of this rescue - we may not have had such a favourable outcome otherwise. Every passenger had a lifejacket on too which was very pleasing to see,” continued Phipps-Black.

“Surf Lifeguards have the skills to respond to a diverse range of incidents and our equipment is essential to the success of these rescues. The boys used a motor which was donated by Pub Charity only four days earlier, this just enforces how critical our lifeguards skills and equipment are.” said Grant Florence, Chief Executive Surf Life Saving New Zealand.

“We’re very proud of our boys at Worser Bay and the Lifeguards from surrounding Surf Life Saving Clubs who lent assistance.” said Florence.
ENDS

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