“It was the most dangerous things I have seen…..!” says Senior Constable McKenzie

Published on Wednesday, April 26th, 2006, under Media

26 April 2006 –

Pair cross Cook Straight using broomsticks for oars

Two boaties who crossed Cook Straight in a wooden dingy with oars made from broomstick handles have been attacked from stupidity by one of their rescuers.

The pair, a New Zealander (Ellis Emmett) and a Dutchman (Sander Verbiest), sailed from Wellington on Sunday in a three-metre dingy with a single sail, headed for the Marlborough Sounds.

Astonishingly, they crossed Cook Straight unharmed, but when they reached the entrance to Tory Channel they became stranded by the seven-knot (12km/h) current that flows out of Queen Charlotte Sound.

Senior Constable Paul McKenzie, of Picton police, told The Press newspaper it was a miracle thet the pair had got as far as they did.

It was share luck the pair were spotted by a boat chartered by a dive group and resuers were able to reach them, he said.

“It was the most dangerous things I’ve seen. Complete stupidity,” Mr McKenzie said.

When asked why they had made the trip, the pair told rescuers: “It was one of life’s goals.”

– NZPA