Local boaties assist paua divers

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Local boaties came to the assistance of four paua divers when their boat overturned in strong wind gusts yesterday.

Police said the group were diving near Te Rakauwhakamataku Point, 3km south-west of White Rock at the bottom of the North Island when the boat overturned.

The boat was at anchor while the group were diving when it overturned.

Farm workers at Ngapotiki station saw the boat flip and called emergency services.

Four boats in the area responded to the broadcast on the local marine channel.

Police said the divers were amazed at the quick response from the four commercial boats that came to help.

The boat was recovered to the beach at White Rock with little equipment lost.

Police said the divers were not at risk because they were close to shore.