Local sea rescue heroes honoured

Two local heroes were recognised for their life-saving bravery at a ceremony in Tākaka on Monday.

Just over two years ago, Tony Cottle and Michael McKay headed out from Pakawau beach into a stormy sea to rescue a trio of anglers who were clinging desperately to their capsized boat ( GBW , 22/1/21). Nigel Rose, his son Sam, and family friend Richard Hampton from Christchurch were out in Nigel’s 3.6-metre tinnie, enjoying an afternoon’s fishing approximately 4km offshore from Pakawau when the weather took a rapid turn for the worst. They headed for shore but the two-metre waves soon swamped the boat, killed the engine and tossed the crew overboard. Floating in an angry sea 2km from shore the situation appeared hopeless, but it wasn’t their day to die. Onshore at Pakawau Beach Park, Tony’s wife Nikki picked out a tiny speck of yellow through her binoculars and raised the alarm – and the rest is history.

Reading out the formal commendation from the Royal Humane Society of New Zealand, Tasman mayor Tim King recounted the heroic rescue, highlighting the combination of quick-thinking, bravery and good fortune that prevented three tragic deaths on New Year’s Day 2021.

Among those assembled in the conference room at TDC’s Service Centre were the award recipients plus family and friends, Nigel and his wife Claire, Police sergeant Jono Davies, and members of GBCB. Although he couldn’t attend in person, Nigel’s son had sent a short video message which was screened to the gathering. “Thanks for saving our lives, “ said Sam. “We wouldn’t be here today… thank you so much.”

Nigel followed with his own tribute to the rescuers. “It’s absolutely incredible…You guys – I’m forever in your debt.”

Just before he presented the men with their awards, Tim had to apologise on behalf of the RHSNZ for a mix up with the medal provision. “There is only one medal,” explained Tim. “The other will turn up later.”

After the presentation, conversations took place over tea and biscuits. Speaking to The GB Weekly Tony said that, coming two years after the rescue, the award was entirely unexpected.

“It was totally out of the blue, but a nice surprise.”

He recalled how the fishermen were found. “When we were in the boat, we couldn’t see them, so took a rough bearing and headed out.” Tony and Michael reached the stricken trio just in the nick of time. “They were goners,” said Tony. Or they would have been if it wasn’t for the two local heroes.