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Two men were plucked from the sea off the Wanganui coast yesterday after their boat capsized in rough weather.
The men, from Palmerston North, were returning from a fishing trip, and were crossing the Whanganui bar on their way back to port when a large wave washed over the bow, filling the hull with water.
Coastguard Wanganui said the boat wallowed and rolled over.
The men who were both wearing lifejackets were thrown into the water but were picked up by a nearby boat moments later, the Wanganui Chronicle reported today.
"The guys did the right thing in providing a trip report, heading for home when alerted that the conditions were getting worse and were wearing life jackets," said Coastguard Wanganui rescue vessel master Gary Williams.
"It's just unfortunate the bar can be very unforgiving, and this was one of those occasions."
Coastguard Wanganui's rescue vessel, Energy Direct Rescue, crew was called out to tow the vessel, however conditions were too rough and the attempt was called off.
The boat was likely to wash up on South Beach in the next day or so.
- NZPA
