Four jet skiers rescued from rocky Northland shoreline
Saturday 17 October 2026 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated 
Coastguard Mangawhai rescued four men from the western side of Hen Island on Friday evening. The group had been in trouble in the water, with two of the men suffering from mild hypothermia. The Kokako Rescue crew reached the rocky shore approximately 40 minutes after receiving the urgent call.
Key facts
4 facts
- Four young men were rescued from jet skis near Hen and Chicken Islands
- The rescue occurred on a Friday evening near Northland
- Two of the men suffered from mild hypothermia
- The Kokako Rescue crew arrived at the scene around 7pm
The full story
1 min read · 3 outlets
Four young men were rescued from a rocky shore near the western side of the Hen (Taranga) Island on Friday evening. Coastguard Mangawhai received reports that the jet skiers were in trouble at approximately 6.20pm.
The Kokako Rescue crew arrived at the location around 7pm. The men were found on the rocky western shore, with one report stating they were "clinging to the rocks".
An initial assessment revealed the men were very cold, and two were suffering from mild hypothermia. Crew members provided warm jackets and blankets and moved the men into the vessel's forward cabin to protect them from the elements.
The vessel arrived back in Mangawhai at approximately 8.50pm while towing two jet skis. After warming up, the men were able to make their own way home, and the crew assisted with loading the jet skis onto a trailer.
Where reports differ
- One report describes the location as being off Mangawhai Beach, while others specify the Hen (Taranga) Island near Bream Bay
Compiled from reports by Stuff, NZ Herald and 1News.