On Sunday 13 April 2008 at about 1910, the fishing charter vessel Pursuit was lying to its anchor on the south-western side of Murimotu Island, North Cape when it grounded on rocks close to its anchored position. The Pursuit had 5 passengers and 2 crew on board. The New Zealand Rescue Coordination Centre and Police mounted a rescue operation using the Northland Emergency Services Trust helicopter but the helicopter was unable to winch anyone to safety owing to the weather conditions.. The vessel was subsequently towed off the rocks by another vessel.
There were no injuries to the passengers or crew, but, the Pursuit sustained considerable damage to the hull, drive train and steering.
Safety issues identified included:
- selecting a suitable anchoring position in inclement weather;
- the danger of not maintaining an anchor watch during adverse weather; and
- compliance with manning requirements.
