Fuel – 12/18/2015 – 11:15 to

A 5.5m green boat with 3 POB called via cellphone for assistance.  It was 1nm west of Thornton and about 3nm offshore. It had fuel problems and needed a tow back to Thornton.  Weather conditions were good with a slight sea and 5-9kt wind from ESE.  An all stations alert was broadcast and Whakatane Rescue crew paged.  Two good samaritans offered to tow the vessel back to Thornton so Whakatane Rescue crew was stood down. At 1203hr all vessels were safe back in Thornton. Many thanks to the good samaritans.