Boaties labelled reckless and stupid

Two boaties who were rescued last night are being labelled reckless and stupid.

The Northland couple set out from Te Ngaere Bay in a five metre runabout, despite the fact their engine was playing up. They had no life jackets, or flares on board and the boat did not have a radio or cellphone.

The outboard broke down and rescuers found them drifting eight kilometres off shore at 11.30pm.

More than a hundred people were called out to help with the search, including coastguard, police, a helicopter, National Rescue Co-ordination Centre staff and volunteers.

Inspector Darroch Todd says it defies belief the couple could have set off with no safety gear, putting at risk their own lives and those who were looking for them.

- NEWSTALK ZB