A routine recreational dive off New Zealand’s south coast turned into a full rescue operation after two passengers called police while drifting offshore because their skipper had gone scuba diving.
According to a report by Radio New Zealand, the incident unfolded near Wellington when a small runabout carrying three people was caught in strengthening winds and rough seas. The skipper entered the water to dive, leaving two passengers aboard the vessel.
However, the pair soon realised they were unable to operate the boat themselves as conditions deteriorated.
Strong winds and rising seas began pushing the vessel farther from shore. With no way to control the boat, the passengers contacted police and requested assistance.
Emergency Response at Sea
Authorities quickly launched a coordinated response involving police maritime crews and a rescue helicopter.
Reporting by the New Zealand Herald indicates the small vessel was battling strong winds estimated at around 88 km/h with waves of roughly two metres.
Police located the drifting runabout several kilometres offshore. A maritime officer boarded the boat in rough conditions and safely returned the passengers to shore.
While the rescue was underway, concern shifted to the diver who had entered the water earlier.
Diver Found After Swimming Ashore
When the diver surfaced and realised the boat was gone, he swam to a remote section of coastline.
Search crews later located him on shore after a helicopter began scanning the coastline.
Although the situation could easily have escalated into a serious maritime emergency, all three people involved were eventually found safe.
A Reminder About Dive-Boat Safety
While the incident ended without injuries, it highlights a fundamental safety principle that experienced divers and skippers emphasise: someone on board should always be capable of operating the vessel.
Many dive operators require at least one competent person to remain aboard during a dive, particularly when diving from small private boats in open water. Changing weather, currents, or equipment issues can quickly separate divers from their vessel if no one is able to maintain control.
Incidents like this are rare, but they serve as a reminder that dive planning extends beyond the water. Boat handling, weather awareness, and crew readiness can be just as important as the dive itself.
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