A potentially devastating incident occurred last night when a trawler sank off Moturekareka, near Kawau island. The crew, returning from their fishing trip, noticed the vessel was taking on water. Despite their efforts to investigate, the boat sank rapidly. The cause of the water intake remains unclear, highlighting the unpredictable nature of maritime emergencies.

Rapid Response from Kawau Volunteer Coastguard

The Kawau Volunteer Coastguard received the distress call at 8:49 PM and mobilised quickly. Within 35 minutes, the team was on the scene. Brett, a qualified Coastguard skipper living near Sandspit, was instrumental in the swift response, launching the rescue boat while other crew members were still on their way. The team included Bruce R, Paul P, Mark, and Mike C, with several other volunteers ready to assist.

Timely Yacht Assistance

By the time the Coastguard arrived, the trawler was nearly submerged, with only a small portion of the bow visible amidst the floating debris. Fortunately, a nearby yacht had already rescued the two fishermen, providing a safe haven until further assistance arrived. The fishermen were later transferred to another trawler, both shocked but unharmed. The Coastguard extended their gratitude to the yacht’s crew and other vessels that offered support.

Safety Advisory: Debris Alert

The Coastguard issued a cautionary note about the significant amount of debris, including nets and boat parts, now scattered in the area. A local has reported significant amount of diesel and debris amongst the wreckage. Boaters are advised to steer clear, as entanglement in nets or collisions with debris could lead to similar emergencies, the vessel is now fully submerged and not easy to see.

Warning from Fisheries New Zealand

Fisheries New Zealand is warning people not to eat dead fish washing up on North Auckland beaches. The sunken trawler was carrying a large quantity of fish, mainly snapper and may wash up on Auckland beaches in the coming days. They advise not to eat the fish as it may not be safe to eat.

Appreciation for Crew Readiness

The Kawau Volunteer Coastguard expressed their appreciation for Brett and the rest of the team for their quick action. Even those who couldn’t join the mission, like Marcus, Greg, and Bruce S, played a vital role in ensuring a strong response. The team emphasised the importance of having surplus crew available for urgent callouts.

This incident serves as a reminder of the crucial role of preparedness and the invaluable efforts of the Kawau Volunteer Coastguard in safeguarding lives at sea.