Photo / FileBy Whakatane BeaconBoaties and surfers sprang into action on Sunday afternoon when massive swells pushed charter boat passengers overboard at the Whakatāne Heads. Despite safe conditions in the morning when the Bandit departed, the bar had become unworkable by high tide. The boat was reportedly spun around by a wave while attempting to return to port, causing the passengers to fall overboard. Two more witnesses, Tim Drinkwater and his wife, were enjoying the sunshine when they saw the boat nearly capsize. Coast Guard Whakatane assisted in recovering the three who had fallen overboard and brought them ashore where St John ambulance were waiting.

Source: New Zealand Herald August 03, 2021 22:18 UTC