Bay kayakers rescued in South Island

Two Bay of Plenty kayakers were winched to safety by the Otago Rescue Helicopter after they became trapped on rocks at Nugget Point in The Caitlins. Photo: Richard Davison/Fairfax NZ.

Two Bay of Plenty kayakers had a lucky escape after they became trapped on rocks at Nugget Point in the South Island on Friday.

Bay women Larraine Hughes and Maureen Charles were part of a group of three kayakers who'd gotten stuck near the cliffs in the Caitlins on the Otago coast after they were scared by sea lions in the water at about 11.30am.

'One person managed to make it back to shore safely, however two of the kayakers sought shelter on nearby rocks and were unable to get back to shore due to rough water conditions,” says a police spokesperson.

'A rescue boat and jet ski were dispatched to the scene but were unable to reach the kayakers due to large swells in the water.”

Eventually, a rescue helicopter from Dunedin managed to winch them to safety at 1.30pm.

The two kayakers, were airlifted to Balclutha Hospital where they were treated for minor injuries and mild hyperthermia.

Speaking to Fairfax, Balclutha constable Rochelle Gordon says the party of three women, believed to be in their 40's and 50's, were all experienced kayakers but had got into trouble due to unfamiliarity with local conditions.

'They had all the necessary provisions in terms of food, warm clothing and safety gear, but being unfamiliar with the area have come unstuck around the Nuggets.

'They've done the right thing by contacting emergency services and thankfully it's good news in the end.”

-Additional reporting stuff.co.nz

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1 comment

Meanwhile...

Posted on 18-02-2017 15:30 | By Reefer

the sea lion is being treated for shock.


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