What began as the new owner’s very first trip in his Fin Chaser 6m amphibious boat turned into a life-saving mission on October 10, when Fin Chaser Boats’ Ross Christensen and the new owner, Ian, helped rescue a stranded fisherman off Mahurangi West.
Ross and Ian were out on a handover and demonstration run, putting the new boat through its paces, when they noticed a police helicopter approaching at low altitude. The helicopter intercepted their path before the crew signalled toward open water, indicating for them to follow.
“Initially, we weren’t sure what was going on,” said Ross. “But once we saw the crew waving us out to sea, we knew something serious was unfolding.”
The pair followed the helicopter several kilometres offshore, where it began hovering over an object in the water. As they closed in, they realised it was an overturned kayak — and a man clinging to it.
Reacting immediately, Ross started the inboard motor to engage the boat’s hydraulics and lowered the amphibious wheels into the water, allowing them to recover both the man and his kayak safely. Ian secured the kayak while Ross helped the cold and visibly exhausted fisherman aboard.
The man, later identified as Alister, was showing clear signs of hypothermia. Ross and Ian removed his wet clothing and life jacket and did everything possible to keep him warm.
Ross then contacted the police helicopter, Eagle One, on VHF Channel 16 to confirm the fisherman was safe on board and that they were heading to Sullivan Bay, where Alister’s car and dry clothes were located. Eagle One requested an ambulance to meet them there.
Upon arrival, Ross and Ian deployed the amphibious wheels and drove the boat up the beach, helping Alister to his vehicle. A police unit and ambulance soon arrived to take over care. Once Alister was safely in the hands of emergency services, Ross and Ian secured his kayak and stood down.
Police later confirmed that a light aircraft had first spotted the overturned kayak and alerted authorities, triggering the coordinated response between the aircraft, Eagle One, and the Fin Chaser amphibious team.
“It was a real team effort,” said Ross. “Everyone – from the pilot who spotted him, to the helicopter crew and emergency teams – worked together perfectly. We were just lucky to be in the right place at the right time with the right boat.”
It’s believed that Alister may have had only another 30 minutes in the water before succumbing to hypothermia. Thanks to quick action and coordination, he made a full recovery.
“Ross and Ian’s quick thinking shows exactly what makes the Fin Chaser amphibious platform special,” said a Fin Chaser spokesperson. “Its ability to operate seamlessly on both land and sea made it the perfect vessel for this unexpected rescue, and quite a first outing for the proud new owner.”
Fin Chaser Boats extends its sincere thanks to the police, ambulance, and aviation teams involved, and is proud of the role its team and customers played in bringing Alister home safely.
