Missing person sparked Christmas Day search and rescue operation in Motueka

Saturday, 28 December 2019

Emergency services responded to a report of a person missing in the Motueka River on Christmas Day, but they were later found safe at home. (File photo)

A person reported missing in the Motueka River on Christmas Day was later found safe at home, leading police to urge people to be responsible while on the water.

Constable David Cogger said a search and rescue operation was launched on Christmas Day after a person was reported missing in the Motueka River.

The Tasman Bay Swift Water Rescue team, a local jet boat operator, Fire and Emergency NZ and police volunteers were all involved in the search, before the missing person was found to have returned home. They had left the area without letting their friends know, Cogger said.

It was one of two search and rescue incidents on the water in the last week.

* One taken to hospital as boat goes up in flames off Waiheke Island

Water Safety NZ chief executive Jonty Mills gives his tips for staying safe in the water. (Video first published December 2018)

* Police concerned by drowning fatalities in Tasman district rivers**

'Search and rescue staff put their lives on the line when searching for people, and ultimately everyone out in the water needs to take responsibility for themselves and young ones, which means taking proper safety precautions and communicating.'

On Friday, two people were sailing on a yacht that broke down in Okuri Bay as they were travelling from Waikawa to Nelson.

'The two-person crew had no Marine VHF radio and no way of calling for help, and one of the passengers had to row to shore in a dinghy and walk for five hours to French Pass to raise the alarm.

'This dangerous situation could have been avoided had the yacht been equipped with a Marine VHF radio or emergency communication device.'

Coastguard Nelson president Pete Kara said the conditions during the rescue on Friday 'weren't that favourable' and there had been co-operation between a number of agencies to make sure the two people got home safe.

The person on the yacht was rescued by Coastguard before night fall as the weather deteriorated.

Kara said Ian and Pam Montgomery from the Okiwi Bay Holiday Park assisted with the rescue, as did the rural postie who picked the man up from French Pass and took him back to Okiwi Bay.

'It's not just the Coastguard it is the whole community looking after each other out there.

'We're there to make sure people can have an enjoyable time in the water and if something does happen to go wrong, we are there to bring them back again.'

He said the Nelson unit covered a large area, from Westhaven on the West Coast of Golden Bay up to Stephens Passage at the northern tip of D'Urville Island.

TIPS FOR STAYING SAFE ON THE WATER THIS SUMMER:

- When going swimming at the beach, swim at beaches patrolled by life guards and swim between the flags.

- When boating, ensure your boat is equipped for the conditions, there are life jackets for all occupants and that they wear them.

- Make sure you have two forms of communication, such as a cellphone, VHF radio, or other emergency communication device, so you can get help if something goes wrong, or let people know if your plans change.

- Tell people where you are going, when you should be returning and when the alarm should be raised if you not return.

- Keep an eye on conditions and changes in weather, stay well within your abilities, treat the water with respect and caution, and avoid alcohol.