Video shows Otago rescue operation after boat runs aground

June 4, 2024

A helicopter worked to rescue those on the vessel as it was lashed with waves. (Source: James Berthelsen) (Source: Supplied)

Two people were rescued after a fishing vessel ran aground on Otago Peninsula this morning.

A rescue operation was launched around 7.30am after the boat became "stuck" off Harington Point near Taiaroa Heads.

"A rescue is underway after a vessel has become stuck off Harington Point," police said shortly after 9am.

"Two people have been rescued and are back on shore, one person has been transported to hospital."

A St John spokesperson confirmed two patients were assessed, with one of them taken to Dunedin Hospital by helicopter in a moderate condition. The second person was assessed and treated at the scene.

Debris floats off the coast in Otago after a boat ran aground.

Footage shows a helicopter flying low above the boat amid the rescue.

James Berthelsen, who witnessed the incident, said conditions were "near perfect" when he saw the grounded vessel.

Other vision from the scene shows the boat mostly sunk and wreckage being smashed against rocks.

Debris floats off the coast in Otago after a boat ran aground.

Otago Regional Council (ORC) harbour master Steve Rushbrook told Stuff that staff had visited the area and no pollution had been released into the environment to date.

The site is near the famous Royal Albatross colony.

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