Unique Vehicle and Crew Come to the Rescue

The rescue of a man from his stricken car on the Hikuai flats by members of the Onemana-Opotuere Volunteer Fire Brigade has attracted praise from many quarters.

The rescue came as ex Cyclone Tan was dropping nearly 250mm of rainwater on the Pinnacles, high above the small Coromandel Peninsula township on State Highway 25.

Brigade members responded to the callout venturing into a scene which was pitch black and involving rising waters.
Having undertaken such rescues on several occasions, the volunteers also had the benefit of a purpose-built vehicle in a former Army Unimog.

Fire chief Jo Adams recalls the exercise and how both the rescued man and his were crew were feeling after the rescue.

Listen to our interview with Chief Fire Officers Adams by clicking the link below.