Abandoned dinghy prompts search

An abandoned and upturned dinghy near Whirinaki that sparked a two-hour search has angered police.

Two Hastings fishermen failed to inform emergency services after they abandoned the 3-metre runabout when it was sucked out to sea in a botched launch off Whirinaki on Saturday.

Sightings of the boat sparked a widespread search that involved police, Coastguard and the Lowe Corporation Rescue Helicopter, which swept the coastline after spotting boating equipment spread over a wide area.

Napier Senior Sergeant Luke Shadbolt said the search wasted valuable emergency services time. "People who lose or abandon their vessels need to let the authorities know," Mr Shadbolt said. "This applies to anything, including surfboards."

He estimated the search cost thousands of dollars.

"Another handy thing for owners to do is write their names and contact details on the boat."

The two men would not face charges, he said.