High school surf lifesaving lessons were pivotal to a sea rescue yesterday morning when a five metre plywood boat flipped while crossing the Whakatane bar, tipping three local men into the tidal current.
Witnesses saw the boat breaching as it was leaving the harbour about 10.30 am. It was then struck by a huge wave, hurling the men into the water.
The accident was also seen by Coast Guard personnel who immediately contacted Harbourmaster Brian Spake.
Rescuers aboard the Port Whakatane II quickly reached the men, who were wearing lifejackets. One was able to
swim to shore, assisted by surfers, while the two remaining men clung to the hull of their vessel.
When the rescue boat arrived another of the men swam to his rescuers, with the aid of a rocket rope to which an inflatable life ring had been attached.
The third man, who had received ankle injuries and was in shock, was unable to leave the floating hull.
Mr Bond, who had completed surf lifesaving certificates at high school, dived into the river and swam about 30 metres to the man and assisted him to the rescue boat.
Both men plucked from the water were treated at Whakatane Hospital and discharged. The men were safely back on dry land within 30 minutes of the accident. Their boat was destroyed.
The incident showed the dangers of the bar, according the Mr Spake, who said boat owners must approach with caution - at all times.
- DAILY POST (ROTORUA)
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