Site of NZ's worst maritime disaster still perilous

New Zealand Coastguard Waiuku, negotiates the Manukau Harbour Bar, to highlight the dangers of the notoriously challenging Manukau Bar. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Despite education campaigns and improved technology, the site of New Zealand's worst maritime disaster is still a perilous spot for boaties.

The Manukau Bar, at the entrance to Manukau Harbour at the southern end of the Waitakere Ranges, claimed the lives of 189 people on February 7, 1863, when the HMS Orpheus failed to navigate the notorious bar.

"The sad bit is, we're still having accidents today, even though technology and safety equipment is far [more] advanced," Waiuku Coastguard vice-president Nigel Griffiths said.

The bar was just two metres below the surface at high tide and could almost be walked on at low tide, but was fickle to navigate due to its dog leg shape and shifting location, he said.

Long-time Coastguard volunteer Richard Udy said a drowning in 2010 had reinforced two key safety messages: make a trip report to Coastguard before crossing, and ensure you are carrying two forms of communication that work even when wet.

In that incident, four recreational fishermen had gone out for a day on the water and capsized when navigating the bar.

But no one knew they were missing, and a rescue operation was only launched when the three survivors were seen clinging to the upturned boat by a visitor to a nearby lighthouse.

Mr Udy said he taken part in countless rescues on the bar during his 41 years patrolling the harbour.

"At night time more than anything -- that's the ones that really get you."

Fact box:

* One fisherman drowned on January 9, 2010 and three others spent almost eight hours clinging to their upturned boat after it capsized near the bar.

* One man drowned and two others were injured on March 5, 2005 when their fishing boat was swamped on the bar.

* 189 people died on February 7, 1863 when the HMS Orpheus failed to navigate the bar.