Jetskiers injured in barge crash

A couple and two children using a jetski in Tauranga Harbour were rescued by local police and the Tauranga Coastguard on Friday. Photo/Andrew Warner

A jetski accident at Matakana Island's popular Hunters Creek yesterday resulted in the rider and passenger being treated at Tauranga Hospital after their craft hit the old ammunition barge at about 3.30pm.

Tauranga Coastguard operations manager Simon Barker said something happened to the jetski and the rider was unable to avoid the barge.

First on the scene was the regional council's boat, Pumanawa, followed by Tauranga Coastguard's vessels, Sealegs Rescue and TECT Rescue.

The coastguard crew administered first aid, with the injured loaded aboard each vessel which took them across the harbour to waiting ambulances.

On Friday, a couple and two children using a jet ski in Tauranga's harbour were rescued by local police and the Tauranga Coastguard.

The man and woman had been giving the children, from the local marae, a ride on the jet ski and ski biscuit near the Maungatapu Bridge when the machine died. It is believed the engine cut out.

A woman, who was a friend of the couple and waiting with her family on the beach on the Maungatapu side of the bridge, said they had been drifting out at sea for about 90 minutes.

The woman called for help, and police and the coastguard responded.

The coastguard towed the party to shore.