Navy rescues man overboard

A navy patrol vessel has come to the aid of a man who fell who fell out of his dinghy in the Far North this morning. File photo

A man who fell out of his dinghy in the Far North this morning was fortunate a navy patrol vessel was in the area to come to his aid.

The man was about 500m offshore in Mangonui Harbour, north-east of Kaitaia, when he fell out of the boat at about 7.30am, Fire Service northern communications centre shift manager Paul Radden said.

He clung to the side of the dinghy and was able to call 111 from his cellphone, but could not get back on board.

He told the operator he could see a navy vessel nearby.

Fortunately, the operator was an ex-navy officer and knew the HMNZS Hawea was in the area for a training exercise.

She got in touch with the crew, who used an inflatable boat to get to the man and plucked him out of the water.

He was cold but unharmed when he was met by an ambulance on shore, Mr Radden said.