North Auckland Houseboat Floods in Stormy Weather

A dramatic incident unfolded on Tuesday night when a houseboat located north of Auckland began to submerge due to flooding on one side, forcing two occupants and a small dog to be rescued by local coastguards.

According to the Kawau Volunteer Coastguard, the houseboat was caught in a storm with wind squalls reaching up to 30 knots. The vessel, already compromised by water taking hold of one of its pontoons, began to sink. The coastguard was quickly deployed to the scene, tasked with rescuing the two people on board and a small dog.

In a statement, the coastguard described the rescue as both challenging and perilous. They noted the high winds and the presence of debris and sharp fittings in the water, making the operation difficult. However, the crew and helmsman worked together to safely transfer the occupants to the Kawau Rescue vessel, ensuring no one was harmed during the process.

The coastguard also confirmed that the houseboat was already settling on the seabed at high tide, reducing the risk of further sinking. The crew returned to Sandspit around 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday, completing the operation under difficult conditions.

This incident highlights the risks faced by those living on the water, especially in extreme weather conditions. As climate change continues to bring more frequent and severe storms, stories like this serve as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and the critical role played by local emergency services in safeguarding lives.