Vessel in trouble

This morning at about 5.45am, a vessel started taking on water by Cape Colville.  Its mayday call was answered by Maritime Operations.  Police and HNZMS Canterbury were dispatched together with two vessels from Coastguard.   Westpac helicopter was also activated.

At the location, the naval seasprite acted quickly to winch two of the five occupants from the sinking vessel onto the HMNZS Canterbury.  Coastguard were able to transfer the other three onto its vessel before the sinking vessel vanished completely from the sea surface.

All five are on board the HMNZS Canterbury undergoing medical assessments whilst being transported back to Auckland.

Sgt Graham Jex of the Police Maritime Unit said that the joint inter Agency effort 'absolutely clicked' and was very successful in a situation which could easily have resulted in more tragic circumstances.

The harbour master has been advised.