The Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter was dispatched to Matata at 6.30pm on the Tuesday 22 November, where a kayaker who was fishing started taking on water.
The man used his radio to call for assistance and the rescue helicopter as well as Whakatane and Maketu Coastgaurd were dispatched. The kayaker was about 1 mile off the coast and when the rescue helicopter arrived at the scene he activated a smoke flare.
A rescue swimmer was dispatched from the Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter and waited for the coastguard to arrive. The man was rescued and taken by boat to Whakatane.