Key Takeaways
- The Raglan Bar is a hazardous stretch of water that has claimed several lives in recent years, with Maritime NZ reporting five fatalities in 2024.
- A Morrinsville father, Teague, and his crew of three, including two children, were involved in a near-fatal accident on the Raglan Bar after their boat capsized.
- Teague’s quick thinking and preparedness, including the use of a personal locator beacon and lifejackets, helped to save the lives of his crew.
- Maritime NZ’s principal adviser for recreational craft, Matt Wood, praises Teague’s actions, saying they were instrumental in preventing a fatal outcome.
- The incident highlights the importance of being aware of one’s surroundings, taking necessary safety precautions, and being prepared for emergencies when engaging in water activities.
Introduction to the Incident
The incident occurred on November 1, when Teague, a keen fisherman, and his crew of three, including two children, aged 12 and 14, set out on a fishing trip from Waikato. They launched their boat at Raglan and headed out to sea, but their day was cut short when they decided to return to shore due to rough seas and seasickness. As they approached the Raglan Bar, a notorious stretch of water known for its strong currents and large waves, their boat was overturned, and all four crew members were thrown into the water.
The Dangers of the Raglan Bar
The Raglan Bar is one of approximately 100 bars in New Zealand, and it is considered one of the most hazardous. The bar is a shallow stretch of water at the entrance to a harbor or river, where the depth of the water can be dramatically reduced, and the height of waves can be increased, particularly at low tide. According to Maritime NZ, bars are the most dangerous feature on New Zealand’s coast, and they have been responsible for several fatalities in recent years. In 2024, five people lost their lives on bars, and many more were rescued.
The Accident and Rescue
As Teague and his crew approached the Raglan Bar, they were aware of the potential dangers, but they were also experienced boaties who had taken necessary safety precautions. Teague had done a bar crossing course, and his boat was fit-for-purpose and well-maintained. He also had the right safety equipment, including a personal locator beacon and lifejackets, which were worn by all crew members. Despite these precautions, the boat was overturned, and all four crew members were thrown into the water. Teague quickly activated his personal locator beacon, and they clung to the hull of the upturned boat until they were rescued by Coastguard Raglan and surf lifesavers.
The Importance of Preparedness and Quick Thinking
The incident highlights the importance of being prepared and taking necessary safety precautions when engaging in water activities. Teague’s quick thinking and actions, including the use of a personal locator beacon and lifejackets, helped to save the lives of his crew. Maritime NZ’s principal adviser for recreational craft, Matt Wood, praises Teague’s actions, saying they were instrumental in preventing a fatal outcome. Wood emphasizes the importance of being aware of one’s surroundings, taking necessary safety precautions, and being prepared for emergencies.
Conclusion and Advice
The incident is a sobering reminder of the dangers of the Raglan Bar and the importance of being prepared and taking necessary safety precautions when engaging in water activities. Teague’s experience serves as a valuable lesson for others, and his advice is simple: take a personal locator beacon, wear a lifejacket, and be aware of your surroundings. By taking these precautions and being prepared for emergencies, boaties can minimize their risk of accident or injury and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the water. As Teague says, "I don’t really know how I would have done it different today, other than manage the time of the tide when I was coming in. It was just one of those things, eh, you run off the road in a car too, it was just an accident. It was lucky we had everything in place, I guess, to get away with it."
