Two Coastguard Gisborne volunteers spent more than nine hours aboard a damaged yacht, accompanying an injured solo skipper through rough seas from Māhia Peninsula to Gisborne.
The rescue began around 10am on Tuesday when the sailor, reported to be in his early 70s, contacted Coastguard's National Operations Centre. He had sailed from Napier on Sunday aboard his 42-foot yacht, anchoring overnight off Māhia Peninsula. Hours spent trying to free a stuck anchor left him dehydrated and with injured ribs.
Four Gisborne Volunteer Coastguard volunteers departed Gisborne at 10.34am aboard Gisborne Lion Foundation Rescue, facing 20-knot winds and choppy seas. While they travelled, a local boatie and two crayfishing boats maintained a presence alongside the stranded vessel at Police request.
By the time Coastguard reached the yacht, its foresail had torn loose and become badly tangled. Two volunteers transferred aboard to assess the skipper, secure the sail and restart the engine. The sailor wished to remain with his vessel, allowing the Hawke's Bay rescue helicopter to stand down.
The yacht made slow progress under engine through rough conditions. Coastguard eventually took it under tow from Young Nicks Head for the final leg to Eastland Port, where paramedics waited shortly after 9pm.
Coastguard Gisborne Master and President Aaron Boyle acknowledged the volunteers' endurance: "It was a long haul for our volunteers, but it ended the way we want every job to end, with everyone home safe. He was able to call for help, and that made all the difference."
Police led the coordinated response, with support from Coastguard Hawke's Bay, Hato Hone St John and the rescue helicopter.
Coastguard advises solo sailors to carry two separate waterproof communication methods, log trip reports, check marine forecasts and wear lifejackets.
