Christmas Drama at Waiheke Island: Oneroa Bay

While cleaning the overflow of the toilet because the seacocks were left open, an unexpected drama unfolded at the anchorage in Waiheke Island’s Oneroa Bay. Within minutes, what seemed like a distant issue became our own.

Precious Time Together

It is Christmas day. Last time I saw my son was a year ago in Grenada. I am very grateful that he is with me in New Zealand for two weeks to celebrate both his Birthday and Christmas. We have only three days left before he flies back to The Netherlands. What should have been peaceful time together became an unexpected test of resilience and teamwork.

A Sound Signals Trouble

Anchored peacefully, I heard a sound and asked my son to check the anchor. He reassured me that everything was fine. But within a minute, he called out again, alerting me to a collision between two boats. Observing the scene, I noticed a Kaskelot, double-ender NØRD, and a vessel piloted by a man behaving erratically, whom we later called “the crazy guy.” At first glance, it appeared that their anchors had slipped due to the wind and swell. The Kaskelot is a bigger version of my Grinde and got a hole in their hull from the collision. But we didn’t know that at that time.

A Suspicious Approach

The “crazy guy” circled another boat, a Pogo 12.50, emitting black smoke from his exhaust. Believing he might need assistance, I observed the Pogo’s owner pursuing him closely in a dinghy. Moments later, the Pogo’s owner came to our boat, explaining that the man had intentionally collided with the double-ender and was now demanding a phone.

The Encounter Turns Personal

Soon, the “crazy guy” turned his attention to us. Spotting me on my phone, he started approaching aggressively. Realizing the severity of the situation, I called 111 for police assistance. At the same time, a nearby catamaran radioed me, but our VHF cable malfunctioned. I asked them to contact Auckland Maritime as I continued the emergency call.

Close Call Mid Ship

As the man neared our stern, we tried to distract him, but he was fixated on obtaining a phone. He circled us repeatedly, aiming midship. I instructed my son to hoist the anchor as I pushed his boat away from ours who was now against our boat. His anchor got entangled under our railing, but I managed to free it, pushing his vessel toward the stern.

A Desperate Move

With our small engine running at full throttle, we struggled to distance ourselves from him. He pursued us relentlessly, closing the gap. Panicking, I began crying, but my son urged me to stay calm and go inside. After realizing we couldn’t outmaneuver him, I told my son to give him one of his phones.

Negotiating for Safety

My son tossed his work phone, issued by the Dutch Army, onto the man’s boat. However, unlocking the phone became a painstaking task. The man grew suspicious as he failed to input the long code correctly. Shouting ensued, and his aggression escalated. When he demanded that my son board his boat to assist, I firmly refused.

A Narrow Escape

We managed to escape as he shifted his focus to another boat, the Mai Tai Catamaran. Hoisting the mainsail and jib, we sailed out of the bay, putting as much distance as possible between us and the “crazy guy.” While passing the double-ender, its occupants signaled to talk, but I remained focused on getting out of sight.

Finally the Police comes

As we sailed away, we spotted a police boat entering the bay. They headed toward the “crazy guy,” and Auckland Maritime contacted us on VHF. With our VHF issues, I called them via phone and provided details about what happend and that our phone was still with that guy.

Reaching Safety

Acknowledging each other for our efforts, my son and I decided to dock at Bucklands Beach. Arriving safely a few hours later, we inspected the damage in the fading light. The starboard railing and extensions were bent, but the extent of the damage would have to wait until morning.

Awaiting Closure

The police followed the “crazy guy” to a nearby port to Westhaven in Auckland. They planned to board his boat upon docking, hoping to recover the stolen phone using its sound feature. Meanwhile, we prepared to document the damage. The next day the police are bringing back the phone and taking our statements at Buckland Beach Marina.

Cherishing the Remaining Time

Though shaken, we took a moment to acknowledge each other for staying calm under pressure and making the right decisions. With only three days left together, we vowed to make the most of our time, grateful for our safety and the bond that saw us through this harrowing experience.