Quick response by Maketu Coastguard saves swamped boaties

Two Papamoa residents were plucked out of the sea by the Maketu Coastguard this morning. Photo/ Supplied

Two Papamoa residents were rescued from the Kaituna River bar after large waves swamped their boat.

Geoff Oliver, Maketu Coastguard secretary and treasurer, said the two people had gone out fishing early this morning when they ran into trouble.

Four crew members from the Maketu Coastguard, onboard the Eastpack Rescue vessel, were involved in the rescue that took place about 6.45 am, he said.

"They [the boaties] got the timing a bit wrong as they crossed the bar and their boat was up vertical as the waves came in the back.

By the third wave there was a lot of water in the boat," he said.

"We got to them in the water exactly 15 mins after receiving the 111 call from the police.

"They were very pleased to see us," Oliver said.