HMNZS Taupo aids in rescue after yacht grounding

Inshore patrol vessel Taupo, on a training exercise and crew evaluation in the Hauraki Gulf, picked up a mayday call relayed from Auckland Maritime Radio regarding a yacht running aground on the western side of the island.

Taupo's Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Toby Mara, was called to the bridge shortly before 5am and quickly made the decision to respond.

"Conditions from the west were pretty rough, with winds around 25 to 30 knots. But we were within our limits to put our seaboat in the water."

A Port of Auckland pilot vessel, also in the vicinity, was first on the scene.

"Just as we were launching our sea boat, the two crewmembers abandoned their vessel into their dinghy. They were taken aboard the pilot vessel and the dinghy taken under tow."

With the pilot vessel required for commercial shipping duties, the crewmembers and towed dinghy were transferred to Taupo's seaboat.

"There was no moonlight to assist as it was raining and there was full cloud cover. A lot of this was done using the heat signature sensor on our cameras and the seaboat's spotlight."

The crew were dry but understandably shaken up after what had happened, he said.

"Then the North Shore Rescue Coast Guard vessel came on station, and they were happy to take the crew and their dinghy to shore."

He says it was a 'no-brainer' to respond to the call.

"We were within our safety limits and everyone was well trained. When someone's in the water, you go and get them.”