Capsize Thornton Bar – 01/01/2016 – 12:17 to

1st Rescue for 2016  –  At 1217hr a bystander reported that a boat had capsized on the Thornton Bar.  The boat was a 4.3m aluminium boat with unknown number of crew. Sea conditions were reasonable with wind from NE and a moderate swell.  The Police and the Coastguard Duty Officer were notified and Whakatane Rescue was called out at 1219hr. At 1220hr the bystander reported that nearby life guards were assisting the people in the water ashore and recovering the boat.  At 1221hr Whakatane Rescue was stood down.  Many thanks to the life guards and others who helped with the rescue.