Early yesterday morning at 3:30am, a distress call came in from a vessel near the Hen and Chicken Islands taking on water, forcing the men onboard to abandon their boat. Coastguard Whangarei volunteers immediately launched 'Circa Rescue', with support from the New Zealand Police Eagle helicopter.

By 4:38 am, the Eagle helicopter had located the men in the water, guiding 'Circa Rescue' to their position.

All three were rescued and brought safely to Mangawhai Heads. Two were transported to Whangarei Hospital by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, while the third was taken by road.

We are immensely relieved and grateful that the men were wearing lifejackets, which gave them the best chance of survival.

Huge thanks to our dedicated volunteers and everyone involved in the rescue efforts, including those on shore from Surf Life Saving New Zealand and the Mangawhai Fishing Club who opened their club for our crew, helping warm the patients, and providing hot food and drinks.