Wellington Volunteer Coastguard

10/09/2025

At 06:03 yesterday morning Wellington Coastguard Pagers were activated.

The rescue crew assembled and was tasked to a ketch with two sailors onboard approximately 3nm south of Baring Head with steering issues.

Rescue vessel Spirit of Wellington departed base and made best speed to the vessel in distress, locating them shortly after arriving on the south coast.

The vessel was towed back to Wellington with all hands safe and sound.

Wellington Coastguard thanks all those who support us in our mission to save lives at sea. A special thanks must be given to the Radio Operators at Beacon Hill harbour radio for their watch and support.

26/08/2025

🚨Information sought after mayday call 🚨

At around 10:45pm, 10 Wellington Volunteer Coastguard volunteers launched rescue vessels ‘Spirit of Wellington’ and ‘Reremoana’ in an urgent search for a vessel reported to be in trouble approximately three nautical miles from Karori Rock.

Our crews searched until around 3:00am. Unfortunately, nothing was located.

Police are urgently seeking information following a mayday call overnight.

The call was made about 10pm yesterday, reporting a vessel with several people onboard was in trouble in the Cook Strait, approximately 3 nautical miles from Karori Rock.

Boats from Police, Coastguard Wellington, CentrePort, Wellington Airport Fire and Rescue, and the Interislander searched the area until 2.30am, but no debris was found.

A Search and Rescue team and Police also checked along the shoreline and boat ramps, but nothing of note was located.

The search resumed about 7am, but Police urgently want to hear from anyone with information directly related to the report. Please call 111 and use the reference number P063602359.

Other information can be reported at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” and using the same reference number.

19/08/2025

It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Ian Burns, a cherished long serving member of Wellington Volunteer Coastguard. He will be dearly missed for his dedication to Coastguard and the the Wellington boating community.

Ian dedicated a huge amount of his free time to providing maritime search and rescue services in our region during his service with Wellington Volunteer Coastguard.

11/08/2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Geoff Layton, a cherished long serving member of Wellington Volunteer Coastguard. He will be dearly missed for his dedication to Coastguard and the the Wellington boating community.

Geoff dedicated a huge amount of his free time to providing maritime search and rescue services in our region during his 50 years of service with Wellington Volunteer Coastguard.

09/08/2025

Gnarly weather from the south kept most boaties safe at home today but the 40 knot wind gusts and 3 metre swell were great for some heavy weather helming practice for Coastguard Wellington volunteers.

30/07/2025

IMPORTANT - STAY OFF YOUR BOAT TONIGHT - Kamchatka Earthquake, Russia 8.7m - Swing mooring owners - Please stay ashore tonight in a safe location on shore.

NATIONAL ADVISORY: TSUNAMI ACTIVITY – EXPECT STRONG AND UNUSUAL CURRENTS AND UNPREDICTABLE SURGES AT THE SHORE

We expect New Zealand coastal areas to experience strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges at the shore following a magnitude 8.7 earthquake near OFF THE EAST COAST OF KAMCHATKA RUSSIA at 2025-07-30 11:25 AM.

ADVICE FOR PEOPLE IN AREAS UNDER THREAT:

STAY OFF THE BEACHES AND SHORE AREAS

People on boats, live-aboards and at marinas should leave their boats/vessels and move onto shore. Do not return to boats unless instructed by officials.

There is no need to evacuate other areas unless directly advised by local civil defence authorities. Coastal inundation (flooding of land areas near the shore) is not expected as a result of this event. We are advising people to:

Move out of the water, off beaches and shore areas and away from harbours, marinas, rivers and estuaries.
Do not go to the coast to watch the unusual wave activity as there may be dangerous and unpredictable surges.
Listen to local civil defence authorities and follow any instructions.
Share this information with family, neighbours and friends.

02/07/2025

Coastguard Wellington was proud to be part of the welcome this morning for the new Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry, Livia.
Volunteer crews took our rescue boats, Spirit of Wellington and Reremoana, out on the harbour to es**rt the new ferry into port.
Bluebridge is a valued sponsor of the Wellington unit, established after the Wāhine Ferry disaster.

01/06/2025

Spirit of Wellington all set for her first duty day of Winter 2025. Bright and breezy!

30/05/2025

🛟SAFETY NEVER TAKES A HOLIDAY – AND NEITHER DO WE!

Before you hit the water this weekend, take a moment to run through the boating safety checklist. It could be the difference between a great day and a MAYDAY.

Here’s how to stay off our rescue radar (unless you bring snacks):

✅ Log your trip with the Coastguard app — it’s quick, easy, and could save your life (VHF 3 or 61)

✅ Wear your lifejacket — not just for show, it’s your best mate if things go sideways.

✅ Check the weather and tides — Mother Nature doesn’t do refunds.

✅ Make sure your VHF radio is working — flares and phones aren’t always enough.

✅ Tell someone where you're going — your dog doesn’t count.

We love a good rescue story — but we love it even more when everyone gets home safe and dry. 💙

Have a great, fun, and safe long weekend!

28/02/2025

Thanks a bunch to everyone involved in the Petone Charity Fishing Competition. We are so grateful for the support and the donation!

10/02/2025

Attending the Annual Blessing of the Fleet at Island Bay on Sunday was a welcome callout for Coastguard Wellington’s duty crew.

Spirit of Wellington and the Wellington Police Maritime Unit, on Lady Elizabeth IV and Hukatai, joined the parade of fishing boats - flags flying - to pass the celebrants and cheering crowds on shore.

Dolphins just outside the bay added a special presence to this popular maritime tradition.

08/01/2025

Old 4 New will be at Coastguard Wellington this Saturday, 11 January 2025. Come see the team from 9am-2pm Coastguard Wellington, 461 Evans Bay Parade, Hataitai.