Strong Winds Keep Coastguard Kaikoura Volunteers Busy

The high winds on Saturday 11th December blew roofs off and created havoc on land in the Kaikoura region.  With gust of over 113 knots, Coastguard Kaikoura Volunteers were kept busy with 3 calls for assistance coming in almost simultaneously. 

Police initially tasked Coastguard Kaikoura  to two different jobs and a third job was called in during the other rescues. Police had been notified that there were two divers in trouble as well as a boat with divers and children on board being unaccounted for when the storm hit.  A subsequent call raised the alarm of a smaller vessel with 2-3 people on board possibly still at sea.

“Losing power on shore did not help matters’ said Coastguard Kaikoura Volunteer President John MacPhail ‘but crew training for events such as this, kicked into gear and everyone was located, assisted as required or accounted for.” 

With the summer boating season upon us it is a timely reminder to us all, that boating safety such as checking weather reports should be paramount. “Storms that hit so ferociously as Saturday’s can catch anyone unaware so it is important that emergency services such as Police and Coastguard are made aware of any concerns the general public have.”

Coastguard tips for Safe Boating

The more you know, the better your boating

Tell people of your intentions – where you are going and when you intend to be back.

 

Take a correct size and type of lifejacket for each person and for the type of activity you are undertaking.  

 

Take at least two water-proof methods of communication – primary method is VHF marine radio.  Secondary is a cell phone – (always put your cell phone in a zip-lock bag) – if you can’t call us, we can’t rescue you. Other options include flares, personal locator beacons.

Get a marine weather forecast before you go boating and keep yourself up to date during the day with the Coastguard Nowcasting on VHF– the weather can change quickly at sea.

 

Check the boat and engine before you leave and don’t overload the boat – be prepared for the unexpected.

Ensure your vessel carries the correct and appropriate safety equipment (i.e flares, EPIRB, VHF radio, First Aid Kit as examples).