DRAMATIC RESCUE: fisherman flips boat on Mangawhai bar

Mangawhai Heads lifeguards and local surfers rushed to the aid of a fisherman whose boat flipped while trying to cross the Mangawhai Harbour entrance on Saturday November 10.

A number of boats had trouble through the day dealing with the large 3m waves breaking across the harbour entrance. 

At 5.30pm a fisherman in a rigid hull inflatable attempted to cross the bar and was caught out by a large set of waves that flipped his boat, sending him into the water. 

Off-duty Mangawhai Heads Volunteer Lifeguard Service member Richard Kannemeyer and local surfer Rick Panhuis responded in an IRB while lifeguard Jess Costello notified Surf Com via the rescue network, mobilising the after-hours call-out squad.

The grateful fisherman was pulled from the waves and returned to shore, shaken but unharmed. 

Conditions were too dangerous to attempt a deep-water salvage, and the next day the remains of his vessel were found washed up 250m south of the harbour entrance.

MHVLS club captain Richard Kannemeyer knows all-too-well the risks people take having been involved in numerous rescues on the bar.

"People need to check weather, tides and the bar itself before they go out in their boats," says MHVLS club captain Kannemeyer, who has been involved in numerous rescues on the bar. 

"Our lifeguards are always happy to discuss conditions and give a word of advice," he says. “Don’t just charge out through the waves, take your time and make a plan.”

There is a webcam showing bar conditions online. Or why not take a Coastguard NZ course www.boatingeducation.org.nz/courses/38/bar-crossing/