Three kayakers rescued after capsizing off Auckland's Maraetai Beach
Saturday 19 September 2026 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated In this story Coastguard
Three kayakers were rescued after their vessels capsized near Maraetai on Saturday afternoon. The group was located by a police helicopter and taken to hospital, with one person suffering serious hypothermia-related injuries. Two of the individuals were reportedly wearing ill-fitting lifejackets.
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Three kayakers were rescued and taken to hospital after their kayaks capsized near Maraetai Coast Rd in East Auckland on Saturday. The rescue operation involved the police Eagle helicopter, the police maritime unit, and the Coastguard. One person was hospitalised with serious hypothermia-related injuries.
The Eagle helicopter crew located the trio at approximately 12.50pm. A member of the helicopter crew entered the water to stay with the group for about five minutes while the maritime unit and Coastguard travelled to the scene.
Senior Constable Hayden Hall stated the group appeared ill-prepared for the windy and cold conditions. Two of the kayakers were wearing poorly fitted lifejackets, while the third person only put one on after being instructed to do so by the Eagle crew.
Compiled from reports by 1News, NZ Herald and Stuff.