Search for missing person continues as another vessel capsizes in the Hauraki Gulf

At 0637 hours Saturday morning Coastguard received a call on VHF Marine Radio Channel 80 from a member of the public who had come across a capsized vessel off Calypso Bay, near Motuhie Island, in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf.

The small 4.4m run about ‘Tantifi’ had left Buckland’s Beach up the Tamaki River earlier that morning with 4 persons on board. They got into trouble whilst passing Coruso Rock where a wave resulted in a sudden shift by a person on board, causing the vessel’s starboard bow to plough into the next wave and capsize the vessel.

All on board were thrown into the water with one surfacing under the vessel. None were wearing life jackets, however had them in their vessel. The member of the public started to recover the 4 persons who were all accounted for from the water with Coastguard Rescue Vessels from Howick, Waiheke and Auckland arriving on scene shortly after.

Two of the persons on board were treated by Coastguard volunteers for small injuries while the vessel was recovered and taken under tow back to Buckland’s Beach.

As a 13 year old boy still remains missing following the capsize of the small boat he was on with 3 other family members on Thursday, Coastguard puts out a plea for those New Zealander’s out enjoying the many water ways in and around our coastline to do so safely and to not just take lifejackets but to wear them.

Coastguard Spokesperson, Georgie Smith, said Coastguard can’t stress enough the importance of not just taking lifejackets on a boat trip but wearing them.

“Boats, especially under 6m, can sink very quickly – it’s simple, lifejackets save lives! Not only are you easy to find, but your survival rate is just huge in comparison to not wearing one. How much is a life worth?”

Mrs Smith said safety messages were stressed throughout the year but many people still don’t take them seriously.

“We can only do so much – our volunteers are out there dedicating their time and risking their lives to save others. People need to make sure they are looking out for themselves and that means a correctly fitted lifejacket for everyone on board, and wearing them, especially in small vessels.”

Supported by ‘Giltrap Group’, Coastguard Northern Region re-launches their life jacket awareness events next month at high population boat ramps around Auckland.

ENDS

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