A waka that overturned while crossing the Whakatane bar early this morning has now been successfully recovered.
Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Department of Conservation, Waiotahi Contractors and local iwi spent the day lifting the waka off rocks at the end of the spit where it was left upside-down and stranded after overturning at about 6am.
The waka which capsized while crossing the Whakatane bar earlier today has now been successfully recovered.
BOPRC pollution prevention officer Jessica Hunter-Smith says the recovery went smoothly and all the fuel on board has been accounted for meaning the environmental effects are minimal.
'The response was outstanding. This is a great example of agencies and the community working together for a successful outcome.”
The waka Nuku Taiao had been sailing to Waitangi from Gisborne where it was making repairs and was attempting to cross the Whakatane bar when it was overcome by a large wave and flipped over.
Council's senior maritime officer Joe Burke was first on the scene and helped the six passengers to safety with the assistance of local surfers and the Coastguard.
Police reported earlier today that one person was taken to hospital for observation.
The regional council has now towed the waka into the boat ramp, where it will be placed on the dry dock to await salvage plans.
11 comments
Excuse me.....
Posted on 22-01-2016 19:14 | By Jimmy Ehu
Waka!, fuel on board, what's the go with that?.
Hmmmm
Posted on 22-01-2016 19:32 | By How about this view!
Wonder how much it will cost the local Gisbourne ratepayers to repair? Almost guarantee that the Maori community will be looking the other way.
Call me crazy..but...
Posted on 22-01-2016 21:15 | By groutby
Isn't a "traditional" Waka supposed to be powered by paddle?...the "fuel on board" has been accounted for?..so, if you can't get from Waitangi to Gisborne, how could such a vessel have done the amazing feats that we are told to read about, achieved, as we are told by mighty warriors etc. etc. ..??..hmmm
Stupid
Posted on 23-01-2016 08:46 | By peecee09
How dumb and irresponsible to attempt a bar crossing in those conditions. Poor decision by the skipper and crew.
Overit
Posted on 23-01-2016 09:46 | By overit
Just as we have a white mans creation of a digger to get it out of the water.
Call me crazy...but...
Posted on 23-01-2016 13:54 | By Number eight
No groutby i will just call you for what you are...a racist bigot.The sly undertone of your comment confirms this.As 'peecee09'said this was a dumb decision on the skippers part,that no one was injured or worst,died is a great result.To try and have a dig at the crew because they are Maori,or in your racist views,part maori really is pathetic.I do hope all cost for the rescue and salvage of this vessel are paid for in full by the party concerned
Well, thank you for that...
Posted on 23-01-2016 14:23 | By groutby
In a more rational reply to the post from Number eight, I am sad for you that you immediately went on the "racist" path there...however, yes it was indeed a foolish decision to undertake this manouevre. All power to the people involved in avoiding any fatality,and also hope costs can be recovered. Having said that, I think perhaps it is worth remembering to reply to the article and not the person perhaps?..I do not recall a reply form my "accuser" to the post being referred to, please make this clear, as it does your valuable words no justice whatsoever. You may well have not read the other comments posted perhaps?. Anyway, are you saying then that "fuel" is a normal part of Waka sailing?..as the dictionary view on sailing does not include "fuel"..(or, an engine), but then, as a "racist bigot"..what would I know?
Think again.
Posted on 23-01-2016 16:18 | By Beauregarde
Rounding the East Cape in a small boat is not for the faint hearted. A prudent skipper in a boat under sail will have an alternative means of propulsion. Unfavourable winds or no wind at all can place a sailing vessel at the mercy of the elements. I cannot speak for the skipper but I believe it is preferable to include modern safeguards rather than lose the vessel and all hand as well. In the present instance it was other forces that brought about their predicament. It is easy to mock from dry land.
Why...
Posted on 23-01-2016 16:27 | By GreertonBoy
Does everyone have to flame up about everything these days? Two good points to consider... the fuel may have been anything? It may have been fuel for a stove for all we know and it may have been a 1 litre bottle for all we know... If it had a motor, then it isn't actually a Waka, it is just a catamaran based on a Waka... whats the problem? Possibly the skipper had crossed the bar many times successfully and just got caught out this time... no need to hang draw and quarter anyone for a mistake.... we all make mistakes, make bad judgement calls and so on, at least no one got hurt, or worse... now, both of you go to your rooms! lol
GreertonBoy
Posted on 23-01-2016 17:18 | By groutby
Thank you for some humour..luvvit!!..I absolutely see your reasoning...although I doubt we will hear the full story somehow... Nonetheless...I am ensconced in my room until further notice!!...:)
Fir dincum
Posted on 24-01-2016 21:22 | By crazyhorse
This is pretty standard, I was in a fishing tournament in Taupo about 2 years ago and 2 of these mighty sea fairing vessels had to be towed back by Taupo coast guard, pretty well fits in with "the real history".
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