3 days ago
Men thrown into sea after boat capsizes
Skipper Greg Clark (right) and his crewman, known as "Poodle", on the Southern Image after rescuing the crew of a capsized boat at the Taieri Mouth bar yesterday. PHOTOS: STEPHEN JAQUIERY
The skipper of a boat that capsized on the Taieri Mouth bar said he was unlucky his boat tipped over, but he was also lucky to be alive to see another day.
About 3pm yesterday, a boat fishing off Taieri Mouth capsized while being towed over the bar after losing its steering.
However, a group of locals out fishing that afternoon came to the rescue.
Greg Clark, the skipper of rescue boat Southern Image, said everyone was glad the ordeal did not end in a tragedy.
He said the skipper of the capsized 7m boat had radioed they had lost steering while out fishing and needed a tow.
Mr Clark was preparing to go out and tow them back in. However, by the time they got to it, a smaller boat had gone to lend a hand.
While the boat was being towed over the Taieri Mouth bar, the rope snapped and it capsized, flinging the occupants and their catch into the water.
"The guys are all OK. [They've] just gone up, had a shower to warm up. All had their lifejackets on."
He went to try to retrieve the boat but was unable to.
The capsized boat lying on the shore just north of Taieri Mouth.
A Southern Image crewman, who only gave his name as "Poodle", plucked the two men out of the water, getting drenched by a wave in the process.
"The sea's flat, but the tide is going out ... our skipper did real well to get out there." he said.
The skipper of the capsized boat said everything looked good when they were being towed in but a wave came up from behind.
There was no choice but to try to tow in, he said.
"It's unlucky, just one of those things. My pride and joy that boat, a labour of love."
He said all the other fishermen who helped them had done a great job and at the end of the day at least they all came back in one piece.
"Very unfortunate. It was a good family boat ... but we're lucky that everyone's alive, that's the main thing.
"We'll live to see another day."
