The aircraft we use are supplied by Wings over Whales

We don’t do this to be rewarded

The Coastguard Kaikoura Air Patrol volunteer crew are well trained in search and rescue operations.

In the twelve months to 30 June 2010 the 36 professional volunteers of Coastguard Kaikoura Air Patrol

• gave 154 hours of service, 5% up on last year
• spent 6 hours in search & rescue operations and 64 in training activities
• answered 1 calls for assistance from the public
• responded to 4 Police initiated search & rescue operations
• provided valuable assistance in the rescue of 10 people

Keeping our community promise – ’saving lives at sea’

The latest Search and Rescue operations for Coastguard Kaikoura Air Patrol are

Diver Boat in difficulties

Coastguard Kaikoura Air Patrol was tasked by Police on December 30 to assisting in locating a dive boat in trouble along the Kaikoura Coast.    The inexperienced boatman had been unable to restart the boat and seven divers were in the water.   The aircraft located the vessel and directed Kaikoura Rescue to the location.  Coastguard Kaikoura volunteers were able to restart the vessel and take it to shore.  All the divers were accounted for.

Flare sightings off Kaikoura coast

14 August a member of the public reported sighting three parachute flares and Kaikoura Rescue was deployed.  Two further sightings were reported, one from shore and the other from a passing tanker.  Coastguard Kaikoura Air Patrol helicopter was deployed to search the sighting area.  Despite an extesive search involving Coastguard and other agencies over 5 hours no sign of a vessel or debris to indicate what may have happened was found.

Volunteer with Coastguard Kaikoura Air Patrol

Saving lives creates a special camaraderie that is unique to those who have experienced it. But in typical Kiwi fashion, our crew’s prefer to remain humble about it. If you are prepared to put in the time and effort to be a Coastguard Professional Volunteer the contact John by email.

We don’t do this alone

Coastguard Kaikoura Air Patrol could not operate without the continued, generous support of New Zealanders. To make a donation and join our team in saving lives at sea please use the ‘Donate Now’ button above to access our donations page and indicate CAP Kaikoura in the message section. Thank you for your support.

We acknowledge the generous support of Wings Over Whales

Where we come from

Coastguard Kaikoura Air Patrol was started in 2004 by members of the Coastguard Kaikoura wet unit. The Unit is made up of three Kaikoura air businesses Wings over Whales, Kaikoura Helicopters Ltd and the Kaikoura Aero Club. Wings over Whales, due to an association with Coastguard Kaikoura, had previously provided assistance with searches and it was clear that the development of a Coastguard Air Patrol in this area was the right thing to do.