Far North Coastguard: Four fishers stranded offshore spark 100-nautical-mile mission

“Beautiful, beautiful conditions. A lovely night, saw whales and the sea was calm,” he said.

Six Coastguard Houhora volunteers helped get a stranded boat running again before accompanying its occupants safely back to Rangiputa. Photo / Coastguard Houhora

“Our crew performed exceptionally well. They were very happy to see us and we were able to help them solve their problem.”

The crew delivered fuel and helped get the vessel’s engine running again before accompanying the fishers on the long journey back to Rangiputa.

The operation wrapped up about midnight, more than five hours after the initial call-out.

A map showing the lengthy journey undertaken by Coastguard Houhora volunteers to assist boaties stranded off the Far North coast. Image / Coastguard Houhora

Gemmell said the distance travelled was “getting up there”, although lengthy call-outs were not uncommon for the Houhora unit because of its remote location.

He said the stranded vessel was fortunately within New Zealand’s 12-nautical-mile territorial limit.

Gemmell praised the volunteers for their dedication, particularly the young skipper who led the mission with support from more experienced crew members.

“I’m very proud of what our crew do and the commitment that we’ve got from them.

“It’s always so good when you get someone home safely.”

Calm seas greeted Coastguard volunteers as they made their way to a stranded vessel near Cape Rēinga. Photo / Coastguard Houhora

With summer approaching, Gemmell urged boaties to ensure their vessels were seaworthy, carry appropriate safety equipment and have reliable communication systems before heading out.

“Things do go wrong … things happen way beyond people’s control with mechanical failures,” he said.

“But the biggest thing is to be prepared.”