At 8.10am this morning, a boatie contacted Coastguard's National Operations Centre to report their launch ablaze near Browns Island in Auckland. The response that followed showed what coordinated emergency work on the water looks like when it comes together.
New Zealand Police, Fire and Emergency NZ, and Coastguard Howick all mobilised almost simultaneously after the alert. Both people aboard managed to leave the vessel and reach a tender before the fire could trap them.
Getting firefighters onto the launch as quickly as possible was the immediate priority. The Police Maritime Unit ferried crew from Parnell Station directly to the scene, while Coastguard Howick volunteers brought a further group of firefighters across from Howick to bolster the response. Auckland Harbourmaster staff were also present.
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The incident showed how well Auckland's harbour emergency services work together when something goes wrong on the water. Swift communication between agencies and clear decision-making meant crews reached the scene without unnecessary delay, keeping everyone involved safe.
