Hawke's Bay, 21 October 2025 - Coastguard Hawke’s Bay volunteers responded this afternoon to a Police request for assistance following reports of a capsized vessel near Pania Reef. Two people were reported missing. Both were wearing lifejackets - an important safety measure.
One person was recovered by Coastguard volunteers and transported back to shore to meet ambulance services. A second person was located by a commercial vessel assisting with the search and was found unresponsive. A rescue helicopter already on scene winched down a paramedic to the vessel to assess the person.
After transporting the first patient to shore, Coastguard Hawke’s Bay returned to the scene with Police to transfer the second person to the Coastguard vessel Celia Knowles, which then transported them back to shore.
While the full circumstances of the incident are not yet known, Coastguard acknowledges the use of lifejackets and encourages respectful discussion as the community processes this event.
This marks the second craft-related fatality in just four days, bringing the total to 17 craft-related fatalities so far this year - which now matches the annual average of lives lost in incidents involving recreational craft in New Zealand.
“Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the person who tragically lost their life today,” said Henry van Tuel, skipper of Celia Knowles. “We also want to sincerely thank our Coastguard volunteers, the crew of the commercial vessel, the two pilot vessels from the port, the Hawke’s Bay Surf Callout Squad, and the Hawke’s Bay Rescue Helicopter team who responded and assisted in the search. Their efforts make a real difference.”
As Safer Boating Week continues, Coastguard urges all boaties to take safety seriously. Plan and prepare for the worst - not just a day out on the water. Wear your lifejacket. Check the forecast. Carry two forms of waterproof communication. And if in doubt - don’t go out.
ENDS
Key statistics courtesy of Maritime New Zealand:
- Over the past decade, more than 170 lives have been lost in incidents involving recreational craft. A quarter of these involved dinghies.
- As a craft type, dinghies have the second highest number of fatalities connected to them as a craft type. Sitting just behind powerboats.
- Mature males are at greatest risk, with the average age being 56.
- Between 1 January and 21 October 2025, there have been 16 recreational craft accidents resulting in 17 deaths.
- 70% of these fatalities occurred within one nautical mile of shore, and 40% within 400 metres – despite many believing the greatest danger lies in open water.
