Harbour fishing trip ends in rescue

Setting off from Ravensbourne in an inflatable boat, without life jackets, with the intention of being blown up Otago Harbour was not the smartest idea two Dunedin men had, police said.

Acting Senior Sergeant Tania Baron, of Dunedin police, said a water rescue was launched about 7pm yesterday after members of the public believed the pair were in trouble.

Marine Search and Rescue was called and found a 30-year-old man and 20-year-old man with no life jackets or wet-weather gear.

"These two chaps have got in their boat in Ravensbourne with the intention of being blown up the harbour, while they were fishing, to be picked up on Portsmouth Dr," she said.

They could not understand what the fuss was about as they had done it before.

However, the situation could have ended badly as choppy conditions made their grey boat difficult for other boats to see.

"If you are going to go out on the water, then there are obviously some items of equipment that are essential - life jackets, wet-weather gear, and ideally some form of water-proof communication," Acting Snr Sgt Baron said.

The men will be dealt with by the Coastguard.

 

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