06/01/2026
Fantastic news!
Miracle at Sea: Dog Found Alive Days After Yacht Capsizes, Still in Life Jacket
In an incredible turn of events, a curly-coat retriever named Rimu has been reunited with her owner after surviving four days at sea following a yacht capsize off Whananaki, Northland on December 30. The yacht overturned in rough conditions near Elizabeth Reef, forcing the skipper into the water — but Rimu, wearing her bright orange life jacket, somehow endured the elements and stayed afloat until she was found alive. 
The dramatic rescue came after frantic search efforts along the rugged Northland coastline. Locals joined in, using drones and scanning rocky headlands in the hopes of spotting the courageous four-legged swimmer. After days of uncertainty and worry, the joyful moment when Rimu was located offered a powerful reminder of resilience and hope. 
Her story has captured hearts nationwide — a testament to the importance of safety gear, the strength of animals, and the community spirit that rallied together when it mattered most.