The Westpac Rescue Helicopter also attended the incident. Photo / Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust
The Westpac Rescue Helicopter also attended the incident. Photo / Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust
Two men and a child were rescued in the early hours of this morning after they failed to return from a fishing trip - sparking a search and rescue operation.
Emergency services were deployed to Te Ngaio Point Rd, Tapora after the trio went missing on the Kaipara Harbour overnight.
It was not clear whether the trio was in a boat or fishing from land.
Police received a report about the missing people shortly after 1am and the Eagle helicopter later located them about 400m from shore.
Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter was also tasked to assist and after they were discovered by police, prepared to winch the trio to safety.
However, they made it to land before the arrival of the rescue helicopter - which was first dispatched around 3.50am.
"Westpac 2 then airlifted the patients to awaiting nearby ambulance where all three were assessed by our medical team," a rescue helicopter spokesman said.
"They were in a minor condition and all three were warmed up and sent on their way. Transportation to hospital wasn't required."