Coastguard training turns into real rescue

When the crew aboard Mangawhai Coastguard’s vessel Kokako Rescue went out on a training exercise Saturday morning, they had no idea they would be called to do the real thing, not once but twice.

A four-metre alloy trailerboat broke down between the Mangawhai harbour entrance and the Hen and Chicken Islands with six people on board, including two children. When Kokako Rescue arrived on the scene the boat was already under tow by a recreational vessel. Taking over the towing duties as part of their training, Kokako brought the boat safety back across the bar then barged up the harbour to the ramp.

Heading back out to continue their sector search exercise, the crew found themselves able to render assistance to a boat with battery issues. With this sorted, Kokako shadowed the boat back towards shore. After bunkering (refuelling), the crew went out again to complete their training session, this time without incident.

At the conclusion of the day there were two training exercises that had been given a dose of reality, resulting in nine people being rescued, some great PR and several aspects of the crew’s training requirements ticked off.

Mangawhai Coastguard is currently undergoing assessment, the conditions for which when met will allow it to be formally tasked to rescue jobs, starting this is Labour Weekend. The unit has until April next year to prove it is capable of functioning as an independent operation, encompassing not only its competency on the water, but support from the community along with sound management practices.