Divers rescued off Gisborne’s Tuamotu Island

The Gisborne Coastguard crew rescued two divers who got separated from their broken-down dive boat off Tuamotu Island on Monday night. Photo / Murray Robertson

Coastguard Gisborne rescued two divers off the coast of Sponge Bay on Monday night after they became separated from their dive boat.

“Their dive boat was unable to retrieve them after its anchor broke and it experienced mechanical issues,” Coastguard said in a statement.

The Gisborne Lion Foundation Rescue vessel left base at 7.20pm and arrived on scene within 10 minutes.

“The Coastguard volunteers quickly located both divers in the water near Tuamotu Island off Kaiti Beach.

“They were spotted waving their arms and using a diver’s red safety sausage. Both were safely brought onboard.”

The Coastguard boat then went to the divers’ broken-down vessel, which had drifted approximately 1.5 nautical miles offshore from where the divers were found.

“Conditions were calm in the bay, but a fresh northeasterly breeze was present.”

Coastguard towed the vessel back to shore.

Aaron Boyle, president of Coastguard Gisborne, said that with light beginning to fade, time was of the essence to prevent the situation from escalating.

“A massive thank you to all our volunteers – both on shore and on the water – for ensuring the dive group was reunited and safely brought back to land,” Boyle said.

“Thanks also to police for their shore-based support.

“With summer approaching, this is a timely reminder to always carry two forms of waterproof communication, as mobile coverage can sometimes be patchy.

“We recommend boaties also carry a beacon such as a PLB or EPIRB, as well as a VHF radio.”