Coastguard, police, the rescue helicopter, three commercial-private vessels (including two from Napier Port), Napier Sailing Club, and the Hawke’s Bay surf callout squad were involved in the rescue efforts.
Two fishermen whose boat capsized off the coast of Napier were found 90 minutes apart on Tuesday, with a rāhui now in place following the tragedy.
One of the pair died, while the other, who was found first, is recovering.
Police were contacted at 1.40pm on Tuesday afterthe two men failed to return from their crayfishing trip to Pania Reef.
It is understood they headed out early that morning.
A rāhui has been put in place for the area in red until Friday morning. Photo / Police
The Coastguard found the survivor extremely cold in the water at 2.55pm on Tuesday and pulled him on to their vessel.
The capsized 18ft (5.5m) aluminium boat was visible upside down nearby.
Coastguard Hawke’s Bay skipper Henry van Tuel said the man – while being warmed-up on board – supported the crew staying on the water to continue the search.
“We made a call at that stage, we thought ‘his mate is not far away’, so if we went back [to land] we would lose valuable time.”
The Hawke's Bay Coastguard crew rescuing the survivor. Also pictured is the capsized aluminium boat. Photo / Coastguard
A large group helped in the search, including the Hawke’s Bay Rescue Helicopter and three private commercial vessels.
One of the commercial vessels, the Star Keys, located the other man unresponsive in the water about 4.20pm.
The rescue helicopter winched a paramedic down to that vessel to assess the person.
Unfortunately, he was deceased.
“Both were wearing lifejackets and while police investigate the accident, let’s all have empathy for the family and wider whānau and avoid speculation,” Hawke’s Bay Coastguard said in a post.
“Our thoughts are with the whānau at this sad time.
“We want to thank our SAR partners who helped in the search.”
That included police, the rescue helicopter, the three commercial-private vessels (including two from Napier Port), Napier Sailing Club and the Hawke’s Bay surf callout squad.
The death will be referred to the coroner.
It is unclear exactly when the aluminium boat capsized and how long the men were in the water.
A rāhui is in place until 6am on Friday and covers a large area around Napier Port and Pania Reef.
The rāhui or temporary closure, applies to all recreational activities, including fishing and the taking of kaimoana, diving or snorkelling, boating, paddling, surfing and other water-based recreation.
Mana Ahuriri Trust asked all members of the public to respect the rāhui.
“Our hearts are heavy following the tragic loss of life that occurred [on Tuesday] within the sacred waters of Te Whanga o Ruawharo,” a statement from the trust read.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved whānau, friends, and the wider community affected by this tragedy.
“As a mark of respect for the life lost, and to protect the spiritual and cultural integrity of the area, a rāhui has been placed by our kaumātua and the chairs of Mana Ahuriri Trust and Te Taiwhenua o Te Whanganui-ā-Orotū.”
The rāhui is in effect from Te Karaka (Perfume Point), extending out to sea to Pania Reef, including Town Reef, down to three nautical miles west of The Pania Statue on Marine Parade.
Police vehicles were visible outside the Coastguard building on Tuesday evening, and the Star Keys commercial vessel was in the harbour by 5pm.
Strong winds caused considerable damage to parts of Hawke’s Bay on Tuesday, particularly in southern parts of the region.
