A 62 year old Whakatane man is recovering after spending about an hour in the sea when a morning fishing trip went wrong on Thursday morning.
'He dropped his line in the water, overbalanced and went overboard,” says Whakatane Police Acting Sergeant Tracy Howe.
The dinghy was swamped. His first flare was sighted at about 8.05am.
A search and rescue operation was begun when the second flare was seen soon afterwards.
A third flare was seen at 8.35am.
The man had been fishing about 200m offshore. The fisherman was wearing a lifejacket when he was pulled from the water by Whakatane Coastguard. He was taken to Whakatane Hospital for observation.
3 comments
The Mighty NZ CoastGuard
Posted on 11-11-2010 12:34 | By bobsm8
Well Done all. Firstly for the rescue. Secondly for the Senior who had all the correct equipment on board his small craft and was wearing a life-jacket. A very vitual lesson to all concerned this boating season. Don't be 'bloody clowns' leave the booze at home,check the weather condition's twice and check the safety equipment three times over. If your craft is not up too scratch dont take it out. And if your not up to scratch with boating in general, take up one of the day skippers courses with the coast guard. 'You'l be so glad you did'.
Go the coastguard
Posted on 11-11-2010 16:12 | By dogsbody
hope the guy was a member, and the rest of you boaties out there, join today. its a great service and it could be you next time.
lifejackets
Posted on 11-11-2010 16:19 | By barracouda
seems the lifejacket message is sinking in. well done Mr Fisho. these days, buoyancy vests and the like are pretty cool, easy to wear and there's really no excuse for all boaties to use them, especially off the coast. the inflatable ones are especially user friendly. a great option for christmas presents for all those with boating partners.
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