The difficult rescue of two people stuck on the rocks at a blowhole on the Coromandel Peninsula this morning became even more complicated when a bystander fell into the surf on the incoming tide.
Emergency services were called to the Whiritoa blowhole at the southern end of the beach at around 8.30am today after reports of two people on the rocks needing help.
Sergeant Bradley York from the Waikato Search and Rescue team said two people had been caught out by the "big surf' and incoming tide. One was believed to have a broken leg.
Crews from police, fire and emergency, surf life saving, and the Auckland Westpac Rescue helicopter worked together to rescue the duo.
Then, the already difficult rescue became even more problematic.
"While Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter were winching the injured man out of the blowhole, we heard about someone else who was watching the rescue," York said
"He'd been taking photos from rocks nearby, then been washed off into the surf."
The helicopter diverted away from the initial rescue of the people on the rocks and shifted focus to the bystander, who was in the sea.
"After the helicopter winched out the bystander, we went back to the original scene and rescued the remaining person from the blowhole," York said.
All three were successfully airlifted to safety for medical attention.
"This was a good reminder to members of the public to exercise caution near the sea as conditions can change rapidly," York said.
"Please take care near water - be aware of the tide and the risks."
An Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter spokesperson said one person was taken to Thames Hospital in a moderate condition
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