Taupo to the rescue, when sailing recently, catamaran Beleveer suffered an engine failure near Great Barrier Island. HMNZS Taupo was in the vicinity to act on their Mayday call.

The vessel was blown onto rocks at Rangiwhakaea Bay, with five crew members making their way ashore and raising the alarm. Taupo, 55 miles away, proceeded at best speed, with the Westpac rescue helicopter sending them images to help plan the rescue.

Arriving at 2130 in the pitch black, Taupo and crew were ready to assist. Although the Coast Guard arrived shortly before Taupo, the rescue required Taupo’s seaboat. Beleever’s crew put on lifejackets and swam the short distance to the seaboat, which then transferred the crew to the Coast Guard.