Two boaties rescued after crossing the notorious Cook Strait and yacht capsized

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

26 April 2006

Pair’s ‘completely stupid’ Cook Strait crossing

Two boaties were rescued trying to cross Cook Strait in a three-metre wooden dinghy with a single sail and oars made from broomstick handles.

The pair, a New Zealander (Ellis Emmett) and a Dutchman (Sander Verbiest), set sail from Wellington on Sunday for the Marlborough Sounds. 

They crossed Cook Strait unharmed, but when they reached the entrance to Tory Channel they capsized due to extreme high winds.

Senior Constable Paul McKenzie, of Picton police. said it was sheer luck that the pair were spotted by a boat chartered by a dive group and rescuers were able to reach them.

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

Mr McKenzie said it was a miracle the pair had got as far as they did. “It was the most dangerous things I’ve ever seen. Completely stupid,” he said.

National Rescue Coordination Centre spokesman Steve Corbett said boa ties who failed to plan and assess risks put their lives at risk.

“The problem is we have this incredible culture of thinking ‘She”ll be right’ and disregarding the information and education.”

There have been two boating deaths in New Zealand this year, against four at the same time last year.