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A Hawke's Bay man has been sentenced to 50 hours community service after a major search and rescue operation.
Itintawara Barankio appeared in the Napier District Court today where he admitted the charge of operation a vessel causing unnecessary danger or risk.
The 37-year-old and his cousin were out at sea for 19 hours after their dinghy was swept out to sea, before they were rescued 30 kilometres off the coast.
Maritime New Zealand spokesman Jim Lott says the men narrowly escaped injury and even death.
"They didn't have lifejackets with them, they should have actually been wearing them by law, but they didn't do that," he said. "They had no means of communication and they were just lucky to be found and eventually rescued by Coastguard."
Mr Lott says the prosecution should send a strong message to all boaties about taking all safety precautions.
- NEWSTALK ZB
