Hokianga, 15 December 2024 – At approximately 11:30am today, a boat capsized on the Hokianga Bar while three men were on their way out to go fishing. The skipper had earlier contacted Hokianga Radio via mobile after experiencing issues with his VHF radio, advising they were heading out.
The vessel hit a wave badly which flooded the outboard motor with seawater, stalling it and leaving them in trouble between the breakers. The skipper immediately called the local Coastguard Hokianga radio operator for assistance, who coincidentally had witnessed the incident.
Coastguard Hokianga President and skipper Jeff Cramp, along with three other volunteers, launched from Opononi at 11:50am, navigating the bar and breaking waves of over three metres. By 12:10pm, the crew located the three men in the water, all of whom were wearing lifejackets. Life rings were deployed, and the men were pulled aboard Coastguard Hokianga’s rescue vessel.
"Wearing those lifejackets and communicating with us were instrumental in this incident having a happy ending,” said Cramp. "They had minor cuts and grazes, which we assessed on board, before returning them to shore where an ambulance was waiting to check them over."
This incident serves as a timely reminder of the dangers associated with bar crossings and the importance of preparation and safety measures when heading out on the water.
Bar Crossing safety tips:
- Observe the Bar: Monitor wave behaviour carefully. If conditions look rough, avoid crossing and wait for better tides or weather.
- Secure everything: Stow loose equipment and secure all hatches to prevent gear shifting during the crossing.
- Brief your crew: Ensure everyone is positioned centrally for stability and assign someone to watch for trailing waves.
- Wear lifejackets: Lifejackets save lives. Wear them at all times when crossing a bar.
- Make a Bar Crossing report: Contact your local Coastguard via VHF radio or dial *500. Inform them of your plans so they can monitor your crossing.
- Have your VHF and PLB ready: Ensure waterproof handheld radios, Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs), or EPIRBs are accessible in case of an emergency.
Bar crossings are inherently risky, and Coastguard urges all boaties to take every precaution to keep themselves and their crew safe to ensure a safe summer on the water.
ENDS
