A marine search and rescue (SAR) exercise is scheduled to take place this Saturday 7 September, between Castlepoint and Akitio (weather permitting).
The exercise will commence at 10am and conclude around 3pm. The scenario will be based on a sinking runabout vessel with 4 people on board.
Those taking part will include Police search and rescue personnel from Central and Wellington Districts, the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCCNZ), commercial fishermen from Castlepoint and Akitio, representatives from South Wairarapa boating clubs, and two locally based helicopters. A Coastguard fixed wing aircraft from the Hawke's Bay will also be deployed.
Approximately 40 people will be involved in the exercise.
Boaties operating in the Castlepoint/Akitio area can expect to hear some radio activity on marine channels 18, 2, and 3.
The exercise will provide an opportunity for the various SAR assets to work together and test out practised search and rescue procedures and techniques.