Capsized boaties pulled from Manukau Harbour

Tuesday, 30 December 2014

The Westpac Rescue helicopter during yesterday's operation.

Rescuers who pulled three men from the water after a boating accident on the Manukau bar yesterday are being hailed as heroes.

Two men died when their 5-metre aluminium boat was swamped about 2pm.

DANGEROUS BAR: The view showing the Manukau Harbour entrance where two men died and three were rescued by Whatipu locals after their boat got into trouble on the Manukau Bar.

They werenamed today as Terangi Woonton, 59, and Kairanga Samuela, 53. Their deaths have been referred to the coroner.

Three others, aged 34, 49 and 47, were pulled out of the water and two were taken to hospital, but were discharged this morning.

The five had been fishing after having launched off the boat ramp at Onehunga. All were wearing lifejackets.

They encountered large waves at the Manukau bar as they were heading back into the harbour and their boat was upturned.

A passing boaties hauled the three survivors from the water and also recovered the bodies of the two deceased.

There was no doubt the boaties saved three lives, Detective Sergeant Alisse Robertson said.

'The effort this group put in to rescue the three survivors and recover the two bodies is outstanding,' she said.

'Their heroic work should not go unmentioned.'

Police are supporting the families involved.

Terangi Woonton's son, Jason, paid tribute to his father, saying in a statement he was a devoted family man.

'He was a welder by trade and a very hard worker. To his friends and family, he was always willing to lend a hand and help out, and his generosity was well known,' the statement said.

'He loved to fish, but not as much as he loved to spend time with his two grandchildren.

'We loved him very much and we still can't quite believe this has happened.'

'I'm sure he wouldn't want the fuss now, so we thank everyone for their support at this time but wish to be left alone to grieve peacefully'.

Senior Constable Garry Larsen said that in the right conditions crossing the Manukau bar wasn't a problem.

'However, there are things all boaties need to keep in mind, such as the power of the water compared to the power of your boat and the level of the water as it crosses the bar,' he said.

'In an area like the Manukau bar, the swell can reach speeds of up to 20 knots [37kmh].'

He recommended all crossings to be logged with the coastguard.

The boat has not been recovered.