Anglers use flares after shark sinks RIB
25/06/2021
Three New Zealand anglers, whose Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) was attacked by a shark, have been rescued after setting off flares.
The trio was fishing one day in June in their inflatable boat near Bethells Beach, near Auckland, when they caught a four-foot shark, reports the New Zealand Herald.
As the anglers reeled it in, either the share or the hook in its mouth ripped open the RIB. It then deflated. Fortunately, the shark retreated, but the boat was submerged.
The group made Mayday calls on the radio, set off a flare and called the police.
As the police helicopter arrived, they used another flare. This was seen by a boat on the horizon, which came to the rescue.
They pulled the three onboard and towed the ripped RIB back to the shore.
None of the crew needed medical attention.
