Search for missing kayakers called off

A search for eight people spotted in a canoe and kayaks in heavy seas off the Otago coast yesterday has been called off.

A helicopter today searched the coast from Kaka Point, 23km southeast of Balclutha, north to Tairoa Head at the entrance to Otago Harbour.

It failed to find any trace of eight people seen heading out yesterday in very bad conditions at Kaka Point.

Search authorities said today without new information there was little else they could do but have appealed for information from anyone who knew the people or that they were safe and well.

No one had been reported missing, police said.

Balclutha police said the eight could have landed safely and be unaware of the fuss they had caused.

"They may have made it back to their destination, to the beach, and gone on their way oblivious to the fact that there was a search operation in relation to them," said Senior Sergeant Richard Whitmore.

"They could also be tourists who came down to this area to do what they did and now they are on the road travelling elsewhere. They may not be listening to radios, watching TVs, reading papers, who knows?"

It was "unwise" to go out in those conditions, Mr Whitmore said.

Kaka Point locals who reported the eight people to rescue authorities said a strong southwesterly wind was blowing and the waves were peaking at about five metres.

They said they could not have paddled back the way they had come and may have been blown or swept north to a beach landing.

Rescue Coordination Centre spokesman Ross Henderson said anyone who knew of the group was urged to contact police.

Local resident Barry Bethune said it was not known where the group went into the water or where they came out, but going out in the conditions was foolhardy.

- NZPA