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Police have been scathing in their criticism of two men who went out boating on Saturday night after drinking alcohol, were poorly equipped - and needed rescuing yesterday morning.
Napier Constable Mike Signal said police were called about 9am yesterday and a rescue mission involvng police, the Lowe Walker Rescue helicopter, Hawke's Bay Volunteer Coastguard and the Hawke's Bay Coastguard Air Patrol began.
Surf Hawke's Bay was also put on standby. Mr Signal said the two Napier men, aged 45 and 51, headed out on Saturday night to go craypotting at Pania Reef.
They were "grossly" under-prepared for what they planned to do, he said.
"The two men had been drinking before they left, headed out in a vessel that did not have any navigation lights, had only limited experience in boats, and had no lifejackets, flares or marine radio.
"They did not leave their intentions with anyone and did not check the weather forecast, which was not good for the area," he said.
The boat's motor had broken down and the duo were found about 10am with the anchor dragging on Pania Reef, "very cold and miserable".
They were towed back to shore.
The boat was their flatmate's and he had no idea they were in it until he woke in the morning to find it missing.
Mr Signal said the two men were glad to get back to dry land but didn't seem to think they had done too much wrong.
"They just thought it was bad luck the engine broke down."
Mr Signal said he would be talking with maritime safety officials about possible charges.
About 40 to 50 volunteer man hours were used in finding the two, and about $1500 in helicopter charges. Hawke's Bay volunteer coastguard Dick Hilton said the rescue turned out to be straightforward and relatively uneventful, and ended with a "good result", but things could have easily turned out differently.
He said having a working radio was key to safe boating.
"You really need something if you go out there," he said. "Once you're broken down or sinking you could have no chance."
He said in yesterday's cold and windy conditions the number of people on the water was far less than in good weather, meaning the chances of rescue from fellow boaties were limited.
Mr Signal said a small number of people persisted in going out ill- equipped and ill- prepared, and caused "major concern" to rescue services around New Zealand.
- HAWKE'S BAY TODAY
