Two fishermen needed to be rescued yesterday evening after a trawler sank off Moturekareka Island, near Kawau Bay in the Hauraki Gulf.
In a post to Facebook, Kawau Volunteer Coastguard said it received an urgent call at around 8.49pm reporting the trawler had taken on water.
“They were returning home and felt they were taking on water,” the post read.
“They turned towards the nearest land and started to investigate, but before they could do any more, the boat had sunk.”
A Maritime NZ spokesperson told 1News that the trawler’s crew had their lifejackets on and were ready to get into a lifeboat.
A Coastguard team was able to reach the trawler within 35 minutes.
By the time they arrived, the trawler had nearly fully submerged, with only a “small bit of bow” out of the water surrounded by debris. According to Fisheries New Zealand, the vessel sunk in approximately eight metres of water.
The two fishermen had already been rescued by a yacht that had arrived at the scene earlier. Another trawler then picked them up.
The fishermen were “shocked but otherwise well”.
“We commend the quick response of the nearby sailing yacht and the Kawau Coastguard ensuring the safety of the crew members,” Maritime NZ said.
The Coastguard also thanked those who came to assist.
The Harbourmaster was aware of the situation and was “responding accordingly”.
Maritime NZ was investigating the incident, and Fisheries New Zealand said it was following up with the skipper.
“Safety of the people involved is always the priority, so we are relieved that all members of the crew have been rescued unharmed,” acting deputy director-general of Fisheries New Zealand Steve Ham said.
Sinking prompts warning about debris, dead fish
The vessel’s sinking prompted a warning from the Coastguard, which said there was a lot of debris and boat parts still in the area.
“We would suggest not going out to see if you can see anything. Get caught in a net or hit something and hole your boat, and you may well end up in the same situation.”
Maritime NZ said: “Boaties in the area should be aware they may encounter debris and oil from the sunken vessel and to take necessary precautions.”
Fisheries New Zealand said the boat had a “large quantity” of fish, mainly snapper, on board when it sank.
“We expect that this fish may be seen floating in the area and could potentially wash up at some north Auckland beaches in the coming days,” Ham said.
He asked anyone who saw dead fish in the area not to collect them, as they may be unsafe to eat.
“Fishery Officers are monitoring the situation and will be visible in the area over the coming days, and if anyone has concerns about dead fish call us on 0800 008 333.”
