Just 25 minutes after being paged, Coastguard Waiheke volunteers have arrived on the scene of a jetski taking on water north of Waiheke Island this morning.
At 0942, the experienced jetskier who was wearing a lifejacket and had an EPIRB on-board, reported that he needed urgent assistance. With the engine shut off, the water ingress slowed and stabled and he was able to wait for Coastguard to arrive.
Waiheke Rescue with four Coastguard volunteers on-board departed its Matiatia base just before 1000 and were on scene soon after to assess the situation and tow the jetski back to shore. The jetskier was safe and well.
Coastguard Waiheke Skipper Marcus Blosch said time is critical during these types of incidents, and highlights the value of a Coastguard unit based in the heart of the Hauraki Gulf.
“Waiheke’s crew responded quickly and we were ready to go ten minutes after the pager went. Having a highly trained and competent crew is vital in these situations, everyone knows what to do, and how to do it, and we can just focus on the task. Fortunately we were on scene quickly, and able to help the jetskier get home safely with a good story to tell his family and friends.”
As part of Coastguard’s National Volunteer Recruitment Campaign, Coastguard Waiheke are currently looking for more rescue vessel volunteers to join the crew. The unit is also fundraising for a new vessel to replace its 13-year-old Waiheke Rescue.
ENDS
