Vessel in trouble
This morning at about 5.45am, a vessel started taking on water by Cape Colville. Its mayday call was answered by
Maritime Operations. Police and HNZMS Canterbury were dispatched together with two vessels from Coastguard. Westpac
helicopter was also activated.
At the location, the naval seasprite acted quickly to winch two of the five occupants from the sinking vessel onto the
HMNZS Canterbury. Coastguard were able to transfer the other three onto its vessel before the sinking vessel vanished
completely from the sea surface.
All five are on board the HMNZS Canterbury undergoing medical assessments whilst being transported back to Auckland.
Sgt Graham Jex of the Police Maritime Unit said that the joint inter Agency effort 'absolutely clicked' and was very
successful in a situation which could easily have resulted in more tragic circumstances.
The harbour master has been advised.