Canterbury, April 13, 2025 – Coastguard volunteers battled swells up to 2 metres to rescue three men from a capsized boat in Banks Peninsula, Christchurch this afternoon.
At 1:09pm, Police received a distressed call from one of the three men stating they had reached Little Akaloa Heads when their engine failed, pushing them onto the rocks.
After abandoning their vessel, the group split up as two tried to make their way around the cliff, while one stayed closer to the vessel.
Volunteers from both Coastguard Sumner and Coastguard Canterbury, and Christchurch-based Westpac Rescue Helicopter responded.
Coastguard Sumner Blue Arrow Rescue Skipper Anthony Honeybone said seven volunteers were on the water within 15 minutes of being tasked.
Honeybone said they rescued the two men off the rocks, who medically assessed on board the Blue Arrow Rescue - they were shaken up and cold but fine and were reunited with their family onshore, he said.
The helicopter winched the third individual and took him back to shore. A Hato Hone St John spokesperson said the individual was assessed and uninjured.
Honeybone said the strong 20-knot winds and rough swells were challenging but the crew were glad to reach the men and get them back to shore efficiently.
The men did the right thing by calling Police for assistance when they did, he said.
“It’s a good thing to just make sure your boat is in good working order, and you’re experienced for the conditions you’re going out in. Anyone can break down, it happens to the best of us.”
Coastguard Canterbury’s rescue vessel and Coastguard Sumner’s Hamilton Jet Rescue were dispatched to the scene as well but were stood down en route once the men were safely ashore.
This is a good reminder to always wear your lifejacket, take two forms of waterproof communication, check the forecast, and log your trip with Coastguard.
ENDS
