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The crew of the Nukutaio are resting their bruises and checking their wounded pride after the double-hulled voyaging waka capsized trying to enter Whakatane River just after 6am Friday morning.
The Wellington-based waka was on its way to take part in next week’s Waitangi regatta.
The six crew members including captain and boat builder Takirirangi Smith were rescued by surfers gathered for the large low pressure surf break near the notorious bar.
Bay of Plenty Regional Council, the Department of Conservation, Waiotahi Contractors and local iwi worked together to lift the waka off rocks at the end of the spit and tow it to a boat ramp.
Salvage prospects are being assessed.
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