Waka sinks, 8 rescued

Auckland: Eight people were pulled from the water after their waka began sinking off Orakei in Auckland yesterday.

Coastguard Auckland said a crew rushed to their aid after a distress signal was set off by a local boatie who initially helped pluck the stricken paddlers from the water just before 9am.

A spokesman said waves caused by the wake of nearby marine traffic had begun crashing over the side of the waka, filling up the foundering craft with water faster than the crew could bail it out. — The New Zealand Herald