An exhausted but well prepared kayaker crossing the Cook Strait triggered a 406 distress beacon before his strength failed him.
His beacon activated a rescue helicopter, which spotted him via his smoke flare and hovered above him until he was pulled aboard a rescue vessel.
In addition to the 406 distress beacon, the exhausted and overwhelmed kayaker was well prepared with life jacket, VHF radio and a red smoke flare.
“Being well equipped can really take the search out of search and rescue.”
Four other vessels in the area, including a ferry, offered assistance after the 406 alert was raised.
Read more here:
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/kayaker-crossing-cook-strait-saved-by-smoke-flare-sparking-rescue/A37VPEADOFWD3W2YWK5JAGQOGM/