A missing boatie has been winched to safety after a dinghy with three people aboard sank in the Bay of Islands.Video / Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust
A missing and injured boatie was winched to safety from rocks in the Bay of Islands after a dinghy they were on with two others sank.
The alarm was raised this morning by one of the people aboard, who swam to shore after the boat capsized in Wairoa Bayin the Bay of Islands.
Police believe the dinghy sank about 3am, when the temperature was about 13C.
Two people were reported missing shortly before 7am. One was found about 8.30am after having swam to shore.
Shortly after, the second person was spotted on some rocks by the Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
They were winched to safety and then airlifted to Waitangi Bike Park.
Hato Hone St John treated three patients at the scene. Two – including the boatie rescued from the rocks – were taken to Bay of Islands Hospital in a moderate condition. The third person had minor injuries and did not require hospital treatment.
A rescuer prepares to winch the boatie off the rocks. Photo / Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter
Five Coastguard Bay of Islands volunteers responded alongside Police Search and Rescue and the Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter after receiving reports of people in the water north of Onewhero Bay.
