Plea for boaties to tell coastguard of plans

Northland police are urging pleasure-boat owners to use their marine radios to tell coastguard units of their destination and travelling time when heading out to sea.

Family and friends should also be told of a boat's intended trip and timing, says Senior Sergeant Dave Palmer, after a search for a 6m catamaran reported overdue on Thursday.

The catamaran, carrying two men, was on a fishing trip about 14 nautical miles east of North Cape, but did not arrive back at Waitiki Landing in the Far North after an overnight outing.

The coastguard was not advised of any delay.

Far North coastguard and other local vessels began searching an area off the coast known as the "canyons" and the Northland coastguard air patrol was about to send a search aircraft when the catamaran was located sailing back to Parengarenga Harbour on Thursday afternoon.

It is understood the fishermen stayed at sea overnight to trawl for marlin but could not tell the local coastguard because of radio problems.

Senior Sergeant Palmer urged boat owners to ensure safety equipment was in good working condition.