Attributable to Sergeant Malcolm York, Nelson Police Search and Rescue:
Nelson Coastguard and Police have been kept busy over the last week by an increasing number of water rescues in and around Tasman Bay.
Changeable weather conditions have seen a number of people caught out in situations where their lack of planning and experience left them at risk, and also put the people who went to rescue them at risk.
One of the most concerning examples of this occurred on Wednesday, January 3, when a 27-year-old man attempted to sail an old 12 foot Hobie Cat catamaran from Nelson Harbour to Jacket Island near Motueka.
The solo yachtsman left on the 13 nautical mile trip at approximately 5pm. After exiting Nelson harbour, he sailed on a direct track to Jacket Island which took him well out on to the bay - approximately 3 nautical miles from the nearest land.
Approximately halfway across the bay the catamaran was capsized by a wind gust and the yachtsman ended up in the water. He then spent about two hours in the water trying to right the yacht – which, due to their design, are very difficult for one person to right.
After two hours, one of the hulls of the catamaran had filled with water and the weight of the water allowed the yachtsman to right the small yacht. He then attempted to sail the yacht, but due to having one sunken hull the catamaran kept capsizing.
Fortunately for the yachtsman the tide at the time was running towards the shore, so he was being carried towards land and not away from it - which would have put him at even greater risk.
Just before dark, while the yachtsman and his sinking yacht were still well out into the bay, he was very luckily spotted by a member of the public on the port hills. This man looked into his telescope and he could just make him out in the distance and fading light.
Police were called and a Search and Rescue operation commenced as darkness fell, five hours after the yachtsman had left on his trip.
Police coordinated search efforts using five search vessels including Coastguard, BP Surf Rescue, Nelson Port Harbourmaster and the Tasman District Harbourmaster.
The Nelson Rescue Helicopter was also called in to search. At approximately 12:30am, the rescue helicopter crew spotted the floating hull of the catamaran using night vision equipment.
The Coastguard were dispatched to the location and the yachtsman was plucked from the water. It then took the Coastguard about an hour and a half to bring the stricken vessel and the wet and cold yachtsman back to shore.
Once examined, the Hobie Cat was found to have several leaks due to the age and condition. But most concerning was the fact that apart from a lifejacket, the yachtsman had no safety equipment on board.
He had no way of communicating whatsoever - no radio, cell phone, distress flares, a personal locator beacon or a light of any description.
Sergeant Malcolm York from the Police Search and Rescue squad, who ran the operation, said the yachtsman was incredibly lucky to have come out of the ordeal unscathed.
“If weather and tide conditions had not been so favourable, the outcome could have been tragic.
“Even for a vessel of that size when undertaking a journey of that length and distance from the shore, the yachtsman should have carried a small handheld marine VHF radio or a cell phone in a waterproof bag, and distress flares or a personal locator beacon.
“With one of these items he could have called for assistance a lot earlier, and made the task of locating and assisting him a lot easier and safer for the volunteers who went to look for him,” Sergeant York says.
Police and Coastguard strongly encourage all people entering the water on any size craft to carefully consider and plan your trips.
Take at least two forms of communication equipment so you have a backup.
Many boating tragedies are caused by an error in judgement relating to equipment, the weather or behaviour. Make sure you know the environment, have the right equipment on board and act responsibly at all times.
Know the Boating Safety Code:
1. Life Jackets
Boats, especially ones under six metres in length, can sink very quickly. Wearing a life jacket increases your survival time in the water.
2. Communications
Take two separate waterproof ways of communicating so we can help you if you get into difficulties.
3. Marine Weather
New Zealand's weather can be highly unpredictable. Check the local marine weather forecast before you go and expect both weather and sea state changes.
4. Avoid Alcohol
Safe boating and alcohol do not mix. Things can change quickly on the water. You need to stay alert and aware.
5. Skipper Responsibility
The skipper is responsible for the safety or everyone on board and for the safe operation of the boat. Stay within the limits of your vessel and your experience.
When it comes to boating this summer the "she'll be right" kiwi attitude could cost you your life, and endanger others in their efforts to rescue you.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
