Coastguard Involved in Kawau Search and Rescue

Coastguard volunteers from Coastguard’s Kawau and Hibiscus units are currently supporting Police and other search and rescue personnel to conduct a search and rescue operation involving the suspected sinking of an 18ft aluminium vessel. Four people have been rescued so far with one missing.

Eight vessels are currently engaged in the search and rescue operation, including Coastguard, Police, Harbour Master and other vessels. The vessels are conducting an extensive search of the water and shorelines looking for the missing person – a 35 year old male.

Westpac Rescue Helicopter and Police Eagle Helicopter are searching from the air with Coastguard’s air patrol aircraft also on stand-by.

The vessel is understood to have departed Martin’s Bay at 1500 yesterday, 16 August 2011 and was expected back at 2200 the same day.

About Coastguard New Zealand:

Coastguard is the charity that provides New Zealand’s primary maritime search and rescue service. The organisation operates from a network of four regions and 71 affiliated units, located around the coastline and major lakes of New Zealand. Coastguard New Zealand is a volunteer organisation with a charitable status. It has more than 18,000 supporter members and 2,146 active Professional Volunteers who provide over 350,000 hours of their time each year to educate, protect and help save lives at sea. Coastguard performs over 3,000 rescues each year assisting over 6,000 New Zealanders. There are currently 72 dedicated rescue vessels in Coastguard New Zealand’s fleet, 10 air patrol units and one dedicated communications unit. All crew members on board Coastguard vessels and air patrol craft are trained search and rescue personnel working to enhance the safety of all New Zealanders when they participate in boating and water activities.

ENDS

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