Coastguard Howick's volunteer crew rescued three people from the water near Tiritiri-Matangi Island on Easter Friday, after their runabout began sinking. Photo: Supplied/ Coastguard
Three people have been rescued from a sinking boat in Auckland's Gulf Harbour after their runabout began filling up with water.
Police said the trio got into trouble near Tiritiri-Matangi Island and called 111 just before 3pm on Easter Friday asking for help as the boat was sinking.
It was their first trip out in the 5m fibreglass runabout.
"Fortunately, Police were able to identify their location through their cellphone GPS," a police spokesperson said in a statement.
A police maritime unit was dispatched as well as three Coastguard vessels and the police Eagle helicopter, which spotted the three boaties in the water wearing life-jackets.
The Coastguard Howick crew were then able to rescue the three boaties before they were taken to hospital, with one in a serious condition from exposure to the cold.
"It's currently unclear what caused the boat to sink, and it's safe to say the occupants certainly weren't expecting it to happen," Inspector Martin Brown said.
"Nevertheless they were prepared and emergency services were able to come to the rescue. This is a really good example of how anything can happen when you're out on the water.
Brown said the fact the three boaties were wearing life jackets and had a cell phone for communication had improved their chances of rescue.
And he reminded anyone planning to head out on the water during the long weekend to always wear their life jacket, take two waterproof communications methods with them in case they needed to call for help, check the weather forecast, avoid alcohol, and to act responsibly.
