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Eleven people have been rescued after a waka capsized in Gisborne

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Waka capsized in Gisborne seas

3News NZ

Eleven people have been rescued after their waka capsized in three metre swells at Tolaga Bay (file pic)

Eleven people have been rescued after their waka capsized in three metre swells at Tolaga Bay (file pic)

Eleven people have been rescued after their waka capsized in three metre swells at Tolaga Bay, north of Gisborne.

The group, who were practising for the upcoming transit of Venus celebrations on Saturday, could have drowned, police told Radio New Zealand.

The double-hulled traditional Maori canoe tipped as it tried to get through the heavy seas at the mouth of the Uawa River.

None of the group was wearing a life jacket.

Gisborne Senior Sergeant Maui Aben says most were in the water for more than an hour and were suffering from hypothermia when they were rescued.

NZN

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Comments

4/06/2012 7:42:48 p.m.

Dexter wrote:

Story was very over sensationalised i'm with Tolaga Fire Rescue and we acted as support on land none of us went into the water, no coast guard, fire or police done any water rescue on the day nor was any police or coastguard present at the incident we with st johns just helped in getting them warm and dry after being in the water. they were also wearing buoyancy belts which allows a paddler freedom to paddle freely.

4/06/2012 9:56:44 a.m.

James wrote:

SO what surfers surfing in 3 meter swells should also wear life jackets? If your a strong swimmer a life jacket means next to nothing. But no, lets sue them, lock them up and throw away the key, how dare they make thier own dicisions that only risk thier own lives!

3/06/2012 5:27:28 p.m.

John wrote:

What were these dummies doing out in a hollow log in weather like that ??

3/06/2012 3:02:44 p.m.

erm... wrote:

"None of the group was wearing a life jacket." Ho hum...

3/06/2012 2:53:21 p.m.

Maisie wrote:

Not wearing Life Jackets in a 3 metre swell!! I hope all involved are paying the costs incurred by the rescuers

3/06/2012 2:10:01 p.m.

katrina wrote:

NO lifejacket! when are people going to get the message. They are very lucky no one drowned

3/06/2012 1:06:33 p.m.

johnmillan wrote:

This could have been a tragedy waiting too happen.As no body was wearing a life jacket or life vest,they should be sued for not wearing a life jacket etc,just like if you get caught not wearing your seat belt.Drownings are becoming a next death toll rate too traffic deaths,so should have some thing done about it.

3/06/2012 11:28:00 a.m.

z650Steve wrote:

How many were wearing life jackets? If none, are they going to be charged for not wearing them?