Coastguard Auckland
Unit Finalist
Over summer, Coastguard Auckland headed north to support operations in the Bay of Islands, one of the country’s busiest boating hotspots.
On 31 December 2024, four crew aboard Lion Foundation Rescue (LFR) were urgently redirected from their assigned location following a distress relay for a missing free diver near Bland Bay. Upon arrival, they coordinated three civilian vessels into a search and conducted a shoreline sweep. Within 10 minutes, the diver was located by a member of the public and brought aboard LFR. The crew immediately initiated CPR, oxygen, and AED use, sustaining resuscitation efforts for an hour until the Northland Rescue Helicopter arrived.
With no backup available, the team operated under immense emotional and physical pressure in a confined space. Their leadership, professionalism, and compassion ensured the diver was recovered with dignity and returned to his whānau - offering closure and reinforcing public trust in Coastguard’s readiness to respond anywhere, under any conditions.
Coastguard Sumner
Unit Finalist
On 21 October 2024, Coastguard Sumner was tasked to assist a male casualty who had fallen 100 metres down a near-vertical cliff to a rocky, exposed beach. With no communication and signs of shock, the man was in a precarious state. The location was only accessible by sea, with helicopter support ruled out due to unstable terrain. A multi-agency response was launched involving Coastguard Sumner, the Sumner-Taylors Surf SAR Squad, Police, and Hato Hone St John.
Rescue swimmers reached the casualty via a narrow surf gut, stabilised him, and used a rescue sled and towline to extract him to waiting vessels. A live feed from an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle supported coordination throughout the rescue. Despite fading light and hazardous conditions, the team executed a calm, efficient rescue that ultimately saved the man’s life. The operation showcased exceptional teamwork, risk management, and professionalism under pressure, with crew welfare supported through subsequent debriefs.
Coastguard Auckland
Unit Finalist
During the early hours of 26 January 2025, Coastguard Auckland crews aboard Trillian Trust Rescue (TTR) and Trillian Rescue Alpha responded to multiple simultaneous emergencies during a severe weather event with gusts exceeding 50 knots. The National Operations Centre coordinated six concurrent incidents, dynamically tasking assets based on evolving risk. TTR was first deployed to Islington Bay for a vessel aground, then urgently re-tasked to Rakino Island where a 15m catamaran with six people aboard that had grounded. Despite night conditions, high winds, and limited visibility, the crew executed a successful stern tow and ensured the vessel anchored safely.
TTR then returned to recover the original vessel, completing all operations by 06:01. Alpha responded to two emergencies; both resolved without escalation. Clear communication, calm leadership, and seamless teamwork under pressure ensured no injuries and successful outcomes.