Source: New Zealand Police
It’s been a week of rescues for the crew in the sky, who have helped a number of people caught up in scary situations across Tāmaki Makaurau.
Last night, Police were called after an international visitor went for a stroll from Pine Harbour to Motukaraka Island but got caught out by the incoming tide.
Senior Sergeant Garry Larsen, of the Auckland Marine Rescue Centre, says officers located the man’s vehicle in the carpark on the mainland and Eagle conducted areas around the island.
“The crew quickly advised they had found a man lying down on the top of a concrete structure.
“They were able to provide reassurance to him that help was on the way, and organised for Deodar to pick him up.”
Just before midday on Friday, a pilot flying his small plane noticed a kayaker had fallen out and was struggling to get back in at Mahurangi Inlet.
Due to minimal information or an exact location, the Police Air Support Unit was also deployed.
Sergeant Mark Jamieson, Air Support Unit Supervisor, says Eagle headed to the area and quickly located a man clinging to his kayak.
“The crew observed a fishing boat nearby, so flew low and close, signalling them to follow us.
“They retrieved the male from the water, with him reporting he had been like that for over an hour.
“The boat then transported the man to shore where an ambulance was waiting to treat the man for hypothermia.”
On Wednesday the crew were called in again to assist after it was reported two teenagers were stuck on a cliffside in Whangaparaoa Bay.
Sergeant Jamieson says Eagle arrived on scene and quickly located two people 20 metres form the top of the cliff and around 50m from the beach below.
“The pair were perched on the side but informed dispatch that they were holding on to trees to stay put as the rocks underneath them fell away.
“The crew directed FENZ and Police staff to the location with Search and Rescue enroute,” he says.
“With the assistance of SAR and FENZ the duo were able to repel access down to the beach below.
“We’re thankful for these results, but we must stress these were incredibly lucky situations with positive endings – and that’s not always the case.”
Anyone who gets into trouble is reminded to please call 111 as soon as possible, as this will enable an emergency response at the earliest opportunity.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police
