Coastguard volunteers respond to a tragedy off Northland’s coast

At 1025 hours this morning Coastguard’s Operations Centre received a call on Marine VHF Channel 83 from the vessel ‘Aquila’ a 60ft launch stating that a person on board the vessel had collapsed and was unresponsive.

Coastguard escalated the situation to a distress and dispatched Coastguard rescue vessels ‘Tutukaka Rescue’ and ‘Circa Rescue’ from Tutukaka and Whangarei. Together with Police and Maritime Operations, Coastguard volunteers responded to the distressed vessel with the Northland Emergency Services Trust Helicopter dispatched to the scene with paramedics on board.

On arrival the crew of 'Aquila' were administering CPR to the patient which was shortly taken over by paramedics. Following the decision by paramedics on scene to cease CPR the vessel was escorted back to Marsden Cove Marina by Coastguard volunteers.

Ray Burge, Operations Manager for Coastguard said “What happened here today is an absolute tragedy for the friends and family of the woman. The people on board the vessel are to be commended for their prompt action and their ability to remain calm in what was as stressful situation. Their use of a Marine VHF Radio which enabled Coastguard to communicate directly with them and the rescue vessels responding to the scene."

ENDS

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