Coastguard National Operations Centre confirmed it received reports from members of the public about the capsized yacht. A spokesperson said the person on board was assisted by a nearby vessel, so Coastguard Tutukākā was not required to launch. “My mum was looking out at the sea and said the yacht shouldn’t be out there – it was too windy,” he said. Moments later, the yacht appeared to strike the reef and come to an abrupt stop. However, about five minutes later, Baragwanath said the boat began pitching heavily before capsizing in rough seas.

Source: New Zealand Herald December 30, 2025 23:33 UTC