At around 9.40am this morning, Coastguard received reports of a skipper on a charter vessel requiring medical assistance. The vessel, carrying 14 people, was located east of Ponui Island in the Hauraki Gulf, with all others on board safe and well.
Four Coastguard Maraetai volunteers responded quickly, arriving on scene at 10.25am. The crew provided first aid to the skipper, stabilising them and making them as comfortable as possible. Upon the arrival of the Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter, two critical care paramedics and specialist equipment were winched down to Maraetai Rescue One, where they were transferred onboard to provide medical care to the patient. A decision was then made to transport the patient by sea to Kawakawa Bay for transport by rescue helicopter to hospital for further medical attention.
Coastguard Maraetai President Gary Copestake said: “Getting to medical emergencies on the water quickly is vital, and it was fantastic to have a skilled crew who performed their roles so well."
“Incidents like this highlight true teamwork, with Coastguard Maraetai volunteers, the Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter and staff at the Coastguard National Operations Centre working seamlessly together to come to someone’s aid.”
The vessel’s owner arranged for all remaining passengers to be safely transferred back to shore.
Coastguard volunteers around the country regularly train alongside rescue helicopters in complex winch and extraction exercises. Today’s response showed that training translating seamlessly into real‑world action.
Well done to all involved in ensuring the skipper received timely medical care. We wish them all the best.
