Fishers rescued in Raglan Harbour after charter vessel hit by large wave

Raglan Harbour. Photo / Michael Craig

A fisherman has been rescued after his charter vessel was struck by a large wave in Raglan this morning.

Police said they received a report around 6.50am that a person had gone overboard on the vessel.

The crew had been fishing when the vessel was hit by a large wave, which collapsed the cabin.

One of the crew was standing at the back of the boat and was swept off by the wave.

He was wearing a lifejacket and had an emergency locator beacon, police said.

He was located by Coastguard in the water a short time later and was transported to hospital for an assessment.

Raglan Volunteer Coastguard president Wally Hawken said his organisation sent a rescue boat and jetskis to assist the rescue.

“Everyone is accounted for,” he said. “We don’t believe anyone has serious injuries.”

Hawken said the conditions in the harbour were not overly rough but that the vessel had taken on “a big wave”.

The boat had not capsized but was in strife, he said.

A witness on shore said there were ambulances parked on the wharf on Wallis St this morning.

A Hato Hone St John Ambulance spokeswoman said three ambulances went to the scene and a helicopter was initially used in the rescue.

Two patients were transported to Waikato Hospital in a moderate condition, and three patients were treated for minor injuries at the scene.

Worksafe and Maritime NZ had been notified of the incident.