Man rescued after going overboard on fishing boat in Raglan

October 8, 2023
Coastguard boat (file image).

A man who went over the side of a chartered fishing vessel in Raglan has been rescued this morning.

Police were alerted to the incident at about 6.50am today. Search and rescue crews, Coastguard and a helicopter were deployed.

"The crew of the vessel had been fishing when a large wave hit and the cabin collapsed, causing minor injuries to those in the cabin.

"The man who went overboard was standing at the back of the vessel and was swept off by the wave," police said.

He was "responsibly" wearing a life jacket, while a life buoy and an emergency beacon was thrown to him in the water.

"The man was located by Coastguard in the water a short time later and has been transported to hospital to be assessed.

"Worksafe and Maritime NZ have been notified. An investigation into the incident remains ongoing."

Coastguard added in a statement that it came after the boat failed to close its bar crossing report.

"As protocol, search and rescue processes were launched," Coastguard said.

"Soon after, the skipper contacted police to raise the alarm that one person had gone overboard in the heavy conditions."

Two jetskis were among the vessels launched for the rescue effort.

The beacon was activated at about 8.10am and the man was rescued at about 8.20am.

"Coastguard returned to a nearby beach where first-aid was provided and the person was taken to hospital via ambulance with hypothermia. At least five others, including the skipper were injured in the bar crossing incident," Coastguard added.

Duty officer Mark Leevers said it was a "fantastic" result, especially considering the conditions.

"There is no doubt that without the person wearing a lifejacket and the response from those on-board to throw a lifebuoy and EPIRB, we could have been dealing with a very different scenario," he said.

"We're all delighted to have played a role in saving a life on the water this morning."

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