Two divers who got into trouble at sea after their boat's engine failed to start were successfully rescued.
The incident happened about 2.30pm on Friday off Maitai Bay on the Karikari Peninsula.
Police search and rescue co-ordinator for Northland, Senior Sergeant Cliff Metcalfe, said two men launched their boat fromMaitai Bay and went to Wash Rock for diving. Both had been mostly snorkelling and when they surfaced, they discovered the boat was drifting in rough conditions despite their dropping the anchor before getting into the water.
One managed to climb on board but could not start the boat's engine. He lost sight of the other diver and then called emergency services using his cellphone.
Mr Metcalfe said Coastguard were alerted and the Northland Emergency Services Trust (NEST) helicopter was put on standby.
A boatie in the area responded by first picking up the diver in the water before rescuing the other man in the drifting boat. The troubled boat was towed to Hauhora.
