16/05/2026
🚨Some days on the water start with training… and end reminding you exactly why we do what we do🚨
At 10:00am this morning, a crew of five set off aboard Maraetai Rescue One into the Tāmaki Strait for a planned day of onboard medical training. The crew worked through patient transfer scenarios, sharpened procedures, and even took the opportunity to test the vessel’s fire pump over at Kennedy Point.
A productive day already, or so we thought.
As we made our way back toward Pine Harbour, smoke suddenly caught our attention rising near Motuihe Island. Moments later the radio crackled to life a jetski was on fire.
Training mode instantly became response mode.
MR1 pushed toward the scene alongside fellow rescue units Lion Rescue and Alpha Rescue. Thankfully, the two occupants had already been retrieved from the water and were being rushed away for medical treatment.
But the day was far from over.
Our next tasking sent us to the eastern side of Pakihi Island, where a couple on their very first trip in their newly purchased boat had broken down. With spirits still high, we towed them safely back to Kawakawa Bay a timely reminder for all boaties to have any newly purchased vessel professionally checked before heading out on the water.
Not long after returning, another call came through.
A small vessel had been swamped and grounded on the eastern side of Ponui Island.
After a quick crew change, MR1 was back underway.
When we arrived, we found the occupants ashore beside a small fire they’d made to keep warm while their boat sat half-submerged in the surf. Despite the situation, they remained calm, positive, and in remarkably good spirits.
The crew worked together to recover the vessel, bail it out, and safely return both the boat and its occupants back to Kawakawa Bay.
One comment stood out to us once again:
“The weather just changed.”
It’s something we hear often and it’s a reminder that even experienced skippers can be caught out. Conditions on the Hauraki Gulf can change faster than you think. Always check the forecast, wear your lifejackets, carry communications, and have a plan.
By 6:30pm, everyone was safely ashore and grateful to be home.
As darkness settled in, the crew cleaned down MR1 and made the run back to Maraetai in full “night mode.” Featured here is Tim (and Joel) operating in night vision gear becoming the crew’s eyes after the last light disappeared. Technology like this is an incredible tool for keeping crews safe and assisting with search and rescue operations after dark.
A mammoth 9 hour day for the team.
Special thanks to Skipper Joel Welch and crew Eddie Carpenter, Tim Price, Alex Guyan, Eoin Emerson, and Zharna Welch.
From training drills to medical response, towing assistance, vessel recovery, and getting every person home safely this is what volunteer rescue is all about.
We love what we do.
And we volunteer for you.
Stay safe out there 💙
