Thanks to your generous donations, Coastguard Nelson now has its new vessel, Hohapata – Sealord Rescue! Please support us to continue saving lives at sea.
A matter of survival
Coastguard Nelson covers a huge area in some very challenging sea conditions, helping people and vessels on the water, as one of the vital emergency services in the Nelson Tasman region.
Our 100% volunteer-staffed coastguard is a community organisation that only receives a very small amount of government funding to do our work safeguarding the coast around Nelson and Tasman. We are reliant on local people as volunteers and as financial supporters to help us continue our mission of saving lives at sea.
We need your support.
Coastguard Nelson currently hold the highly coveted Coastguard New Zealand Rescue of the Year Award for the gruelling rescue of sailing yacht, Ocean Gem, and the safe return of all six people onboard.
When Ocean Gem lost its steering in treacherous conditions en route from Hobart to Picton, Coastguard Nelson spent more than 14 hours towing the vessel 51 nautical miles back to shore, while the volunteer crew faced severe swells and terrible seasickness with only bolsters for seats and (at the time) no fully-enclosed cabin.
“We could not save lives at sea without the selfless spirit of our volunteers.”
Pete Kara, Nelson Coastguard President
Nelson Coastguard rescue receives global award recognition
Coastguard Nelson received international recognition for its successful 14-and-a-half-hour rescue operation that brought six people home safely.
The IMRF Awards recognise search and rescue (SAR) professionals around the world for their outstanding actions, skills, expertise and commitment to SAR activities.
Hohapata – Sealord Rescue
The new vessel, Hohapata – Sealord Rescue, is a game-changer for Coastguard Nelson and greatly enhances our capability as first responders.
The $1.4 million purpose-built vessel is the result of many years of fundraising and a generous helping hand from sponsors, including businesses, individuals and a wide range of community trusts and foundations.
As naming rights sponsor, Sealord sought input from Te Tauihu iwi to assist with the naming of the vessel. Hohapata – Sealord Rescue was the name kindly gifted by Ngāti Koata Kaunihera Kaumātua.
The vessel is named after Hohapata Te Kahupuku of Ngāti Koata (1834-1913), a selfless man who was instrumental in saving the lives of the crew on board the ship, Delaware, when it got into serious trouble on the rocky Whakapuaka coast in 1863.
IN THE PAST YEAR COASTGUARD NELSON HAS:
“We knew the coastguard was coming so we just hung on until you did.”
Features of our new vessel...
STATE OF THE ART TECHNOLOGY
DEDICATED MEDICAL STATION
OPERATIONAL RANGE OF 270 NAUTICAL MILES AT 30 KNOTS
CAPABLE OF HANDLING SEVERE SEA CONDITIONS
360º Virtual Tour
Take a virtual tour of Hohapata – Sealord Rescue
We need your ongoing support
“I know there are a lot of people who can easily get into trouble out on the water. Just knowing there is someone who can get out there and take care of you is really important.
“I wholeheartedly support Coastguard and we’re doing what we can to help out. I hope there are a lot of other people around Nelson who will do the same.”
Nelson business owner Pic Picot
Coastguard Nelson Patron
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New Nelson Coastguard vessel buoyed by $100,000 Lion Foundation grant
Feedback from our members
No one likes having a problem out on the water, but with free assistance Coastguard members have got it sorted.
I've been a member for many years, and this was my first call for assistance. Coastguard couldn't have been more helpful. Bob B
You did great!!! Thanks. Membership should be compulsory for every boat owner. Myles P
Couldn’t have been happier. So pleased I’m a member. Thank you so much Coastguard. Simon V
