Five people have been rescued by Coastguard volunteers after experiencing problems crossing a bar at Motunau beach in North Canterbury yesterday.
Police were alerted to the vessel in difficulty by a person on Motunau beach, about an hour north of Kaiapoi, around 5pm on Saturday.
At about 8pm, the Coastguard received a “mayday” distress call from the vessel.
The boat was hit by a large wave, throwing its fuel tanks overboard and leaving it anchored around 400m offshore in rocky conditions between Motunau Island and Motunau bar.
One person was thrown overboard, and pulled back onboard safely.
At approximately 8.45pm, Coastguard North Canterbury volunteers arrived onboard Kaiapoi Rescue, and all five people were accounted or and taken back to shore.
One individual was taken to hospital with injuries sustained during the bar crossing attempt, and three others were treated for hypothermia.
Unit president Kevin Bryce said it was a “challenging, multi-agency operation”.
“We have a standard operating procedure in place for bar crossings at night, which involves marking our position with a flare.
“Although this was a harrowing and concerning incident for the boaties involved, they were prepared with all of the right communications gear, and they were wearing lifejackets. The boaties couldn’t believe we were able to get there and rescue them in such poor conditions,” he said.
He thanked all involved for their professionalism throughout the operation.
