Three people have been rescued and taken to hospital after their fishing boat ran aground near Christchurch. The Sumner Lifeboat, a Kaiapoi rescue boat and a Westpac Rescue Helicopter from Christchurch were sent to search for the stranded boat, and they spotted it about 25 minutes later. GARDEN CITY HELICOPTERS/SUPPLIED A swimmer was dropped from the Westpac Rescue Helicopter to rescue three people trapped on a boat, which ran aground near Christchurch overnight. IAIN MCGREGOR/STUFF The stricken fishing boat in the surf at Waimairi beach in Christchurch. Beachgoers on Sunday morning were urged to avoid swimming at Waimairi Beach as the stranded boat has left a small amount of fuel and debris in the water.

Source: Stuff December 21, 2019 20:03 UTC