Far North Coastguard: Four fishers stranded offshore spark 100-nautical-mile mission

Coastguard Houhora volunteers travelled more than 100 nautical miles on a mission to help four stranded recreational fishers. Photo / Coastguard Houhora

A group of boaties stranded by fuel trouble yesterday evening sparked a Coastguard mission covering more than 100 nautical miles.

Four recreational fishers were aboard the trailer boat when it ran into trouble about 12 nautical miles offshore, between Cape Rēinga and the Three Kings Islands.

Coastguard Houhora president Robin Gemmell told the Herald that six volunteers travelled about 50 nautical miles to reach the vessel, with a newly qualified young skipper leading the mission.

The call came in about 6.30pm, and darkness had set in by the time the volunteers reached the stranded boat.

Despite calm conditions, Gemmell said the “isolation and remoteness of the area” was the biggest concern.

“Beautiful, beautiful conditions. A lovely night, saw whales and the sea was calm,” he said.

Six Coastguard Houhora volunteers helped get a stranded boat running again before accompanying its occupants safely back to Rangiputa. Photo / Coastguard Houhora

“Our crew performed exceptionally well. They were very happy to see us and we were able to help them solve their problem.”

The crew delivered fuel and helped get the vessel’s engine running again before accompanying the fishers on the long journey back to Rangiputa.

The operation wrapped up about midnight, more than five hours after the initial call-out.

A map showing the lengthy journey undertaken by Coastguard Houhora volunteers to assist boaties stranded off the Far North coast. Image / Coastguard Houhora

Gemmell said the distance travelled was “getting up there”, although lengthy call-outs were not uncommon for the Houhora unit because of its remote location.

He said the stranded vessel was fortunately within New Zealand’s 12-nautical-mile territorial limit.

Gemmell praised the volunteers for their dedication, particularly the young skipper who led the mission with support from more experienced crew members.

“I’m very proud of what our crew do and the commitment that we’ve got from them.

“It’s always so good when you get someone home safely.”

Calm seas greeted Coastguard volunteers as they made their way to a stranded vessel near Cape Rēinga. Photo / Coastguard Houhora

With summer approaching, Gemmell urged boaties to ensure their vessels were seaworthy, carry appropriate safety equipment and have reliable communication systems before heading out.

“Things do go wrong ... things happen way beyond people’s control with mechanical failures,” he said.

“But the biggest thing is to be prepared.”