Coastguard volunteers from Waiuku, Papakura, and Auckland, along with the Coastguard Air Patrol, played a crucial role in the rescue operation. Coastguard Waiuku volunteers provided first aid and assessed the well-being of the survivors upon their arrival at Little Huia. Meanwhile, Coastguard Auckland Air Patrol scoured the South Channel for the sunken boat, while Coastguard Papakura searched the front of the bar but unfortunately could not locate the vessel.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and hazardous nature of bars like the Manukau Bar. In light of this tragedy, the Coastguard urges all boaties to attend their Bar Awareness seminars, either in person or online, to ensure they are well-prepared to navigate such challenging conditions.
