What started as a routine fuel stop turned into something far more serious for the three-person crew aboard Circa Rescue. They had barely tied up at Marsden Cove when Channel 16 crackled to life with an urgent call: "Mayday Relay, person in the water, port lateral, Parua Bay."
Circa Rescue was already casting off before the transmission had ended. The crew pushed through the marina's speed zone at the required 3 knots, moving as quickly as the limit allowed. The Customs vessel Hawke 5 had responded at speed and arrived at the scene ahead of them.
Hawke 5 located the man in the water, conscious but extremely cold. When Circa Rescue pulled alongside moments later, both crews worked together to begin warming him and assess his condition. He was then transferred onto Circa Rescue for the trip to the Parua Bay boat ramp, where St John crews were waiting. Paramedics took over from there and transported him to Whangārei Hospital.
Before heading back to base, the crew of Circa Rescue also helped recover the man's boat and secured it on a trailer.
With the harbour calm again and the urgency past, the reflection among those on board was simple. Maydays come without warning. Being fuelled, ready, and already on the water made the difference that morning.
