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Kayaker In Distress and Opotiki Callout

The Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter was dispatched to Matata at 6:30pm on the 22/11 where a Kayaker that was fishing started taking on water. He had a hand held radio and called for assistance and the helicopter as well as Whakatane and Maketu coastgaurd were dispatched. The kayaker was about 1 mile off the coast and when the helicopter arrived at the scene he activated a smoke flare. A rescue swimmer was dispatched from the helicopter and waited for the coastgaurd to arrive. He was taken by boat to Whakatane.

At 8:45pm the helicopter was dispatched to Opotiki where a 39 year old male was assaulted by men with a machete and steel pipe. He sustained serious leg and arm injuries that required immediate hospital care. The helicopter met up with a road ambulance at Opotiki airfield and he was flown to Tauranga hospital for further treatment. The helicopter was called due to the injuries and distance by road to the required hospital.

Philips Search and Rescue Trust (PSRT) is a charitable organisation, operating rescue helicopters throughout the Central North Island. Philips Search and Rescue Trust relies on support from principal sponsors and community donations. Special thanks to Tauranga’s principal sponsor’s, Trustpower and TECT. This crucial financial support ensures our rescue helicopters can continue to bring life-saving equipment, rescue personnel and trauma-trained medics directly to the patient. For further information about PSRT visit our website rescue.org.nz

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