Four survivors of the Enchanter fishing boat tragedy will share for the first time their terrifying accounts of how they survived for hours at sea in an exclusive Newshub documentary out on Wednesday.
There were 10 people on board the boat the day it capsized and five of them died: Cambridge men Richard Bright, 63, Mike Lovett, 72, Geoffrey Allen, 72, Mark Walker, 41, and Mark Sanders, 43, from Te Awamutu. The five others were rescued.
In Newshub Investigates: The Enchanter Tragedy, four of the survivors share their stories "to set the record straight" about what happened when the charter boat they were on capsized off North Cape on March 20.
Newshub has been working with the survivors since May, all of whom feel frustrated at what they say is speculation and widespread criticism about the Enchanter being out in a storm.
Newshub reporter Karen Rutherford said the men "show huge courage" in telling their story.
"This is an unfathomable tragedy. It still affects them and to hear how raw it still is as they walk us through the trip, the weather, the capsize, and the aftermath - you feel like you are on the journey with them," she said.
"It's the sort of story that will appeal to people from all walks of life. These are wonderfully 'real' Kiwi blokes and you don't need to be a fisherman to be affected by this story. It cuts right to the heart of human survival against the odds, and each of the men had a uniquely harrowing experience out there."
While the survivors talk candidly about how it felt to lose five fellow fishermen in the ocean, there is also a poignant ending where viewers will have a sense of understanding of how a tragedy like this can change their perspective on life.
The fifth survivor, skipper Lance Goodhew, is under investigation and declined to comment for the documentary.
Throughout the production process, Rutherford has been in contact with all the families including those who lost loved ones.
"We have been mindful of them from the outset and have worked to ensure all the families were kept up to date. For us, it was really important to have their blessing in documenting such a dreadful tragedy" she said.
Newshub Investigates: The Enchanter Tragedy will air at 8:40pm Wednesday September 28 on Three.
