Waihi Beach Coastguard are reminding boaties to treat sandbars with respect following a "challenging" rescue of a yachtsman in the Bay of Plenty overnight.
A yachtsman in a keeler ran aground while crossing the notoriously difficult Bowentown Bar after misjudging the tide in the channel, contacting Coastguard at 10.24pm on Thursday.
The situation was escalated to a mayday at 11.26pm and, by midnight, volunteers at Waihi Beach had launched rescue vessel Gallagher Rescue with seven crew members onboard.
"Continuous communication" was relayed between the yachtsman, Coastguard Operations Centre and the Waihi Beach crew to find the yacht and determine the wellbeing of the person in trouble.
Despite having no EPIRB or flares onboard, the yachtie used flashing red lights to help the Coastguard locate him in the dark.
He was wearing a life jacket and the crew was able to successfully attach a tow line and free the yacht from the sandbank.
Gallagher Rescue skipper Andrew Jennings said operating at night in shallow water with breaking surf made it "challenging" work to attach the tow line to the yacht.
"This incident highlights the importance of our training, including night-time exercises, and showcases our preparedness and teamwork."
Coastguard Waihi Beach Unit president Sam Dunlop said the volunteer crew did a great job and they were pleased to have returned the yachtsman to safety.
"This incident is a reminder to boaties why all bars need to be treated with respect and why it's crucial to check conditions before crossing."
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