7 September 2016

Two young tourists had a lucky escape late this afternoon when they were rescued from Lake Wanaka after being swept into the middle of the lake in a plastic dinghy.

Harbourmaster Marty Black said the couple had apparently seen the boat when they were at Glendhu Bay and decided to borrow it to go a short distance offshore to take photographs.

Using a willow branch for a paddle and with no lifejackets or safety gear at all, they were quickly blown offshore by the strong Southerly.

The pair, from Central America, were rescued thanks to quick thinking by the Manager of the Glendhu Bay Motor Camp, who noticed them drifting in the area between Sandspit and Fernburn, realised they were in trouble and alerted a local worker who happened to have a boat nearby.

Mr Black said that it appeared the pair had been in the dinghy for around 20 minutes when they were rescued and brought back to shore, wet, cold and frightened.

“They were incredibly lucky that they didn’t capsize and drown. Even though it sounds like they only meant to go out and take a few pictures, this was a recipe for disaster.”

ENDS

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