The aircraft we use are supplied by Wings over Whales

 

We don’t do this to be rewarded

The Coastguard Kaikoura’s 2 air patrol volunteer crew are well trained in search and rescue operations.

 

Since July 2012

Our Volunteers have

• given 52 hours of service
• responded to 2 call from the Police search and rescue taskings
• helped rescue 1 person

 

In the twelve months to 30 June 2012 the volunteers of Coastguard Kaikoura Air Patrol

• gave 107 hours of service
• spent 42 hours in search & rescue operations
• responded to 2 Police initiated search & rescue operations
• provided valuable air support in the rescue of 3 people

 

Keeping our community promise – ‘saving lives at sea’

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

 

Whitebaiter Missing on West Coast

24th October 2010 Coastguard Kaikoura Air Patrol were requested by Police to conduct an air search for a Whitebaiter who went missing after attempting to assist two others who were washed offshore but recovered by boat.  Departing Kaikoura at 12.49 pm they arrived off the Okarito Lagoon south of Hokitika and commenced a search of the Tasman Sea along the coast at 2.15pm  completing a comprehensive search along the coast and out to sea at 4pm.  Aboard were two pilots and 4 observers trained in search techniques.  Unfortunately no sign of the missing man was found and the Police stood the aircraft search down, and they returned to Kaikoura after refueling.  The crew are saddened that they were unable to locate this person and express their sympathy to the family.

 

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.