Miracle Rescue: Three Men Survived Six Hours at Sea Clinging to a Petrol Can and One Lifejacket
By Lions Roar News Coast & Rescue Desk
GISBORNE, NZ (Wednesday, January 14, 2026) — Three men are recovering tonight after a harrowing six-hour ordeal in the waters off Tolaga Bay, where they were forced to cling to a single lifejacket, a plastic bucket, and a petrol can to stay afloat after their boat capsized.
What began as a calm morning fishing trip nearly turned into a tragedy when their vessel was overtaken by the sea in a matter of seconds.
⏱️ Timeline of the “Massive” Rescue Effort
The drama began early this morning and sparked a high-stakes search involving the Coastguard, Police, the NZ Defense Force, and Surf Life Saving.
- 08:00 AM: The trio sets out in calm conditions on their 7m aluminium boat.
- The Accident: Disaster strikes when the boat becomes tangled in a craypot line, causing it to capsize “quite suddenly.” The men have no time to grab emergency gear.
- 11:00 AM: A commercial fishing vessel spots the upturned hull and alerts the police. A multi-agency search is immediately launched.
- 02:40 PM: An NZDF P-8 Poseidon aircraft spots the three men floating in the open water.
- 03:00 PM: Coastguard Gisborne brings the men to shore where paramedics are waiting.
🌊 “Extremely Fortunate”: Bordering on Hypothermia
Coastguard Gisborne skipper Aaron Boyle described the men as being in the final stages of their endurance when they were located.
“They are so lucky. Six hours in the water is a long time—especially with all three people holding onto one lifejacket. They were bordering on hypothermia and very fatigued.” — Aaron Boyle, Coastguard Skipper
One survivor was transferred to an ambulance in moderate condition, while the others were treated for exhaustion. Boyle emphasized that because the boat flipped so fast, they couldn’t reach their safety equipment, making the single lifejacket they managed to grab a literal lifesaver.
⚓ A Stark Warning to Boaties
While the rescue ended in elation for the search teams, the Coastguard has issued a firm reminder to all New Zealanders heading out on the water.
- Wear It, Don’t Just Stow It: This incident reinforces that lifejackets must be worn at all times. In a sudden capsize, there is no time to reach for stowed gear.
- Calm Conditions are Deceptive: The men set out in calm weather, proving that mechanical snags (like craypot lines) can happen regardless of the swell.
