Two missing Oamaru men were rescued from an island in the Waitaki River early yesterday.
Sergeant Tony Woodbridge, of Oamaru, said a search and rescue operation was launched for a father and son on Sunday night when they failed to return from a boating trip on the Waitaki River.
''They went in at about 2pm and were due back at 5pm,'' he said.
At 8pm, they were reported missing by a family member and a search and rescue operation along the Waitaki River was launched.
About 1am, both father and son were located on an island in the middle of a river in the Bells Pond area.
''They had a fire going, keeping them warm and as a signal for help,'' Sgt Woodbridge said.
''Their [jet-] boat had broken down, with engine problems, and they were both trapped on this wee island.''
Sgt Woodbridge said it was a timely reminder for boat users to ensure they had all the necessary emergency equipment, such as cellphones, beacons and flares, on board with them.
