Taranaki marine search and rescue training day – Saturday 3 March

Taranaki Police staff will be out on the water this Saturday (3 March), taking part in a marine search and rescue training day alongside a number of other agencies.   
 
The training day will involve two scenarios: an early morning incident off the coast of Patea; and a search off Port Taranaki, which we expect to carry on into the evening. 
 
Both scenarios are simulations based on real-life marine incidents that have occurred in those locations over the years. 
 
“Training days like this are extremely valuable in terms of providing an opportunity to test and develop skills and resources that Police and other organisations involved in marine search and rescue need during a real-life emergency response,” says Constable Andrew Wong Too, Acting O/C Taranaki Search and Rescue Squad. 
 
“In Patea, we will be working with members of Whanganui Coastguard, South Taranaki Coastguard, Cape Egmont Sea Rescue Trust, Taranaki Air Patrol, and Surf Lifesaving NZ.” 
 
“At Port Taranaki we will be joined by New Plymouth Coastguard, Port Taranaki, Surf Lifesaving NZ, and the Ministry for Primary Industries.” 
 
“All up, there will be around 60 people involved on the day.” 
 
“The people of Taranaki are fortunate to have a number of committed and skilled organisations that assist Police and the Rescue Coordination Centre with marine emergencies, in all manner of weather and at any time of the day,” says Constable Wong Too. 
 
“Members of these organisations, both paid staff and volunteers, are extremely dedicated. Most give up significant amounts of their time in order to take part in exercises like this to hone their skills and keep themselves ready to respond whenever that real-life call for help comes.”     
 
Members of the public using local marine channels on Saturday 3 March can expect to hear aspects of the search and rescue exercise unfold, and those in the areas of Patea and Port Taranaki will likely see some of the vessels involved in action. 
 
Note for media: Constable Wong Too will be available for interview on Saturday. Please contact the Police Media Centre on 04 238 5111 to arrange.
 
ENDS
 
Issued by Police Media Centre.