PRESS RELEASE
At about 5.04pm on Saturday the 10th January 2015 police were advised of a kayaker in difficulty off Eastbourne Beach. The 38 year old woman had fallen out of her kayak in strong NW winds and could not make the 100 meters distance back to shore. She was wearing a life jacket and managed to make it to a buoy which she clung onto. The victim's daughter, who had been with her made it to shore and raised the alarm.
Maritime police headed to Eastbourne on board Lady Elizabeth IV, and while en-route organised a marine broadcast on the emergency channel 16. Members of the Muritai Yacht Club heard the broadcast and put their rescue boat in the water. Michael and Chris Trudgen from the yacht club located the woman a short time later and pulled her to safety. She was found to be suffering mildly from hypothermia as she had been in the sea for about 40 minutes.
Maritime police praised the actions of the Muritai Yacht Club for responding so quickly, and keeping a good listening watch on the marine emergency channel.
S/Constable Stu Main
Senior Launch Master
Wellington Police Maritime Unit
ph 0211910054.