The Eastland Rescue Helicopter and a fixed-wing aircraft with police observers joined the search, along with other commercial vessels nearby.
At 12:30pm, Maritime NZ’s Rescue Coordination Centre was asked for help with search planning and coordinating search aircraft.
“RCCNZ then coordinated with a Royal New Zealand Air Force P-8A Poseidon, which offered to help and diverted from a training exercise in the Hauraki Gulf,” Maritime NZ said in the statement.
RCCNZ took over coordination of the rescue about 2pm, directing aircraft and providing search areas for vessels.
“At 2:39pm, the P-8A Poseidon spotted three people in the water. RCCNZ directed the rescue helicopter and Coastguard Gisborne vessel to the location.”
The three were recovered, confirmed to be the only people on board and taken to shore to be looked over by the ambulance.
Hato Hone St John said three people in a moderate condition were airlifted to Gisborne Hospital about 4pm.
The coordinated rescue effort involved Maritime NZ’s Rescue Coordination Centre (RCCNZ), NZ Police, Coastguard Tautiaki Moana, the New Zealand Defence Force, the Eastland Rescue Helicopter, Surf Lifesaving NZ and local commercial operators. Photo / NZDF
RCCNZ watch leader Alex Taylor said the rescue was “a fantastic example” of agencies and local operators working together.
“Everyone responded quickly and professionally, and that teamwork made all the difference,” Taylor said.
Gisborne Surf Life Saving search and rescue squad lead coordinator Justin Martin described the search and rescue effort, involving commercial vessels, private vessels and public agencies, as “massive”.
He said the vessel was local, based out of Tokomaru Bay.
He and the others were relieved, but still “a bit in shock” that the three had made it through alive.
“The odds were not stacking in their favour,” Martin said.