A search and rescue operation was needlessly carried out on Saturday night because the supposed victims didn't tell police they were safe and well.
Police in Nelson say they got a call around 6:30pm that a boat with two people on board had overturned near Cable Bay.
A rescue operation was quickly set in motion, with police making enquiries and putting out a call for help on Facebook.
Two hours later, the two men who were on the boat called police, after seeing the Facebook post. They were fine - the boat had capsized, but they managed to swim to nearby Pepin Island.
"We were worried these men could have been in serious trouble, so it was a real relief to get their call and hear they were ok," said Snr Sgt Stu Koefoed.
"The pair had got a lot of the rules of boating safety right. They were carrying their phones in a dry bag and they were wearing lifejackets, which is fantastic.
"But we'd just like to remind people using vessels on the water to please notify us right away if you get into any kind of trouble."
- Herald Island boat explosion blew house's windows out
- Boaties lacking waterproof communication devices
Snr Sgt Koefoed said if they'd been in touch earlier, a "full-scale" search wouldn't have been instigated.
"We're here to help, so any time you're in trouble, please call 111 right away."
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