Coastguard Canterbury Volunteers rescue hikers trapped by fire at Purau Bay

CANTERBURY, 2 JANUARY 2023 – Coastguard Canterbury volunteers promptly responded to rescue four hikers trapped by a fire at Purau Bay earlier this evening.

Reuben Cowan, Coastguard Canterbury Volunteer and Master in charge of rescue vessel ‘Canterbury Rescue’ said: "After assisting a broken-down vessel in Lyttelton Harbour, a member of the public alerted us to four individuals trapped by a fire at Purau Bay."

Upon arrival, the volunteer crew discovered four people on the rocks under the fire near the bay entrance. Demonstrating their expertise, the team maneuvered their rescue vessel skilfully through the rocky terrain and successfully extracted all four individuals.

Cowan added, "Prioritising everyone's safety, we utilised our fire pump during the extraction, minimising potential risks to our vessel, crew, and the four individuals."

The individuals underwent injury assessments and were then transported to a safe location.

Upon returning to the scene, the team collaborated with Diamond Harbour Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ), offering crucial safety assistance for the helicopter and fire crews operating near the shoreline.

ENDS