Marine rescue in Auckland City District, 8:00am

In the early hours of New Year's Day the Police launch Deodar III responded to a mayday call from a distressed boatie. His small dinghy had become swamped and submerged at the entrance to the Tamaki River in east Auckland.

The Police crew pulled the man from the water cold and wet at about 2.30am, after he had forgot to replace the bung he had removed to drain the dinghy on his trip. The dinghy sank to just under the surface.

He was wearing an inflatable lifejacket and had a head lamp on, he managed to retrieve his handheld VHF radio from a sealed plastic bag and call emergency services, at the same time trying to keep the radio from getting wet.

When the Deodar III arrived in the area he was able to direct them to his location.

Although having consumed an unknown amount of alcohol celebrating the new year at Auckland's Viaduct Harbour, and forgetting to replace the bung, he did everything right.

We cannot stress enough the importance of carrying a marine VHF radio and wearing a lifejacket especially in small craft, this man was also wearing a head lamp which was excellent. Keeping the handheld VHF radio in a sealed plastic bag is also a must; it is still able to be used inside it. Staying with the submerged vessel is also vital because rescue services have a bigger 'target' to locate.

Although being located and pulled from the water by rescuers the man played a major role in 'rescuing himself'.