Six people are lucky to be alive after two separate boating incidents at Raglan in the space of three days.
The incidents have prompted a reminder from the Harbourmaster of the importance of thoroughly checking marine weather, paying close attention to the swells, always having an experienced skipper when attempting a bar crossing, and wearing life jackets.
The first incident occurred last Thursday night when two people had to be rescued after the small boat they were in began taking on water before capsizing near Whale Bay.
Then, on Sunday, a small vessel was attempting to cross the bar when it capsized after facing large swells and waves.
Both incidents are currently under investigation, the first by Waikato Regional Council and Sunday’s incident by New Zealand Police.
Regional Harbourmaster Chris Bredenbeck said, “I want to acknowledge the immediate rescue work carried out by the volunteers of the Raglan Coastguard. If it wasn’t for those brave men and women, and some very good luck, this could easily have ended in tragedy.
“This is the fourth incident like this at Raglan this year. Skippers need to understand that it’s their responsibility to ensure the safety of their passengers and to know the rules.”
The Raglan Surf club was awarded the 2024 Operational Gold Award at the New Zealand Search and Rescue awards last week. This is the highest honor in at the awards and was for the rescue of three people on the Raglan Bar on 1st December 2024.
The rescue saved a family of three who had capsized crossing the Raglan Bar and although the son and mother got out of the boat, the father remained trapped in the upturned hull, breathing from a small air pocket. Members of the Raglan Surf Life Saving Club were training nearby and responded immediately, picking up the mother and son and forcing the cabin hatch open to rescue the father who almost certainly would have drowned.
Tickets for the Raglan Art to Wear event go on sale tomorrow Thursday 15th May at 8am. Tickets usually sell out quickly for the biannual event but if you miss out don’t worry a second tranche of tickets will be released on Thursday 29th May.
Two showings of the event will be held on Saturday 7th June and entries are open right now at the Old School if you’ve got a great idea.
In local sport the Whaingaroa Whai League team had a great start to the season on Saturday, beating the Hamilton Hornets by 48-10
Players of the day were; Billy Banks with 3 points, Carlsson Clark - 2 points and Jarome Lundon - 1 point.
There won't be any more home games until June but the junior rugby league is kicking off this Saturday.
The Raglan Roosters Football team had a bye this Sunday following their recent victory over Hamilton Masters by 5 goals to 3.