Drifting boat sparks rescue operation

The two divers resurfaced off Ocean Beach to find their dinghy had gone. Photo / Northern Advocate

A husband and wife who went for a dive and resurfaced to find their boat was gone sparked a rescue operation last night.

The couple were off Main Beach in Taiharuru, near Whangarei, when their 5.8m boat started rapidly drifting away yesterday evening.

A Coastguard northern region duty officer said the wife swam to shore before calling emergency services.

Coastguard boats and the police helicopter were called out, as the husband stayed in the water and started swimming toward the boat.

But it seemed the current was too strong, and the boat drifted further away.

"The vessel itself drifted about two miles ... so the husband would have done some fair distance," the Coastguard duty officer said.

The husband apparently decided pursuing the boat was pointless, so he also swam back to shore.

The boat was found 1.6km offshore. The couple and their boat were reunited. All three were fine - and the husband and wife were on their way home yesterday evening.

Some experienced divers suggest people have a "boatman" or person to stay on board while others dive, to prevent scenarios similar to yesterday's case.

Water Safety New Zealand also advises divers to study currents, wind, tides, swell, boat traffic and other conditions before heading out.