Coastguard Maketu volunteers raced to Motiti Island off the Bay of Plenty coast last night to rescue two jetskiers who had spent hours in the water following a capsize.
Six volunteers responded to the emergency just before 1730, reaching the scene in just 25 minutes, helped by local knowledge of the area and subsequently a mobile locate ping from Police. On arrival, they found two people, wearing lifejackets, holding onto their sinking jetski near a rocky reef in the cold water. Due to the difficult extraction point, volunteers developed a plan, throwing several buoys to bring them closer to Eastpack Rescue.
Volunteers brought the pair onboard, with one very hypothermic and requiring immediate assistance. An Ambulance and First Responders were requested to meet them at the jetty, with Eastpack Rescue arriving back to shore just after 1820. One person was taken to hospital by Hato Hone St John and was discharged earlier today.
Coastguard Maketu President Shane Beech said he was proud of efforts of volunteers, responding to a situation where time was critical.
"At this time of year, the water is still pretty cold along the Bay of Plenty coast. We're delighted that they were wearing lifejackets enabling them to raise the alarm and keep themselves calm throughout this ordeal."
As the long Labour Weekend approaches, Coastguard reminds all water-users to wear lifejackets, carry two forms of waterproof communications, check the weather conditions and log a trip report before heading out.
ENDS
