Coastguard advises VHF over cellphone

Four people on an 8.2-metre launch, which hit Taranaki Rock at the entrance to Tory Channel yesterday, are very fortunate.

The strong currents and sea conditions in Tory Channel can be dangerous and the launch occupants were lucky there was a nearby boatie who came alongside and towed them to the wharf at nearby Okukari Bay.

The launch, which was out for a day's fishing, hit Taranaki Rock about 9am.

Coastguard Marlborough skipper Graeme Ward said the boat's owner phoned 111 on his cellphone and the police called the Coastguard.

"I don't know why he didn't use his radio. He might have tried. He didn't speak to us and didn't want to speak after the incident," Mr Ward said.

While Coastguard volunteers were assembling their crew, they phoned Joe Heberley, who lives on Arapawa Island.

"I told Joe there was a boat in trouble in his area. We always contact Joe if anything is happening in Tory Channel. Joe said he would be down there in a moment.

"I then called an `all stations' on the VHF and several boats in the area responded. I spoke directly to a couple of them. One was very close to where the launch was."

In the meantime, another boat had come alongside the launch and towed it to the Okukari Wharf.

"We don't recommend people use cellphones in preference to a marine radio (VHF)."

The cellphone message was relayed several times before it reached the right people.

"Using VHF radio means emergency staff can have direct contact with the boat involved and other boats in the area can hear what is going on and help if they can.

"You should use your VHF radio. It is monitored on both channel 16 and 63," Mr Ward said.

It appears when the boat hit Taranaki Rock, it knocked the bottom half of the stern leg off, which meant the boat had no power.

"Thank you, you guys, you did a great job," said a passenger on the launch as Coastguard Marlborough crew helped them load the boat on to their trailer. The boat's owner did not want to comment or give his name to The Express.

- The Marlborough Express