A mussel gathering expedition at Muriwai Beach nearly turned into a rescue operation yesterday evening.

At approximately 5.20 pm, police were alerted to an incident involving a man and two women who had become stranded while foraging for mussels.

Senior Sergeant Garry Larsen of the Auckland Maritime Unit explained that the trio had ventured out to collect mussels during low tide, assuming they had ample time to return.

However, they found themselves trapped in a small cave by the incoming tide.

“The male made it back to the beach and raised the alarm,” said Larsen.

The Police Eagle helicopter quickly assessed the situation and guided surf lifeguards to the stranded pair.

The lifeguards successfully assisted the women back along the rocks to safety.

“Thankfully, they were unharmed,” Larsen added. “This incident serves as a reminder of how rapidly conditions can change.”

With spring upon us, warmer water and longer evenings can alter sea conditions swiftly.

Larsen advised, “What might appear safe can become hazardous in a short period. We encourage everyone to have a safety plan when around the water.”

Glenn Gowthorpe, Search and Rescue Coordinator at the Muriwai Volunteer Lifeguard Service, praised the team’s swift action.

“The tide was rising, and daylight was fading fast. The area where they were standing would have been overwhelmed by the swell soon, leaving them with no way to escape.”

Due to the location and time constraints, Gowthorpe’s team chose to navigate the rocks and surf rather than deploy a Rescue Water Craft.

“Our squad did an outstanding job, retrieving the two women safely just as the sun was setting,” he said.