MISSING SCUBA DIVER RESCUED

Goat Island 15.09.25

Just after 9pm last night, Coastguard's National Operations Centre was alerted by Police to a missing scuba diver off Goat Island. Volunteers from Kawau Volunteer Coastguard and Coastguard Hibiscus responded, with Kawau Rescue - with six volunteers onboard - arriving on scene around 10pm in good, clear sea conditions.

While en route, the diver was spotted from the air by the Police Eagle Helicopter, who directed Coastguard Kawau to retrieve him from the water. The diver was found in good spirits, equipped with the right gear to stay buoyant. He was taken back to Leigh Wharf and reunited with his friends.

It was a fantastic result, thanks to the clear communication and coordination between Coastguard Kawau, Coastguard Hibiscus, our National Operations Centre staff, and Police.

This was one of those incidents that highlights just how much our volunteers give. The hours of training, the late-night callouts, the time away from family and friends - it all leads to moments like this. From the call at 9pm on a weeknight to the diver being safely reunited with his friends just 1 hour and 45 minutes later, their commitment made all the difference. Well done to all involved!