Two teenagers rescued in dramatic Wellington Harbour boat-sinking

The teens, who were wearing lifejackets, are unharmed.
The teens, who were wearing lifejackets, are unharmed. Photo credit: NZ Police.

Two teenagers were rescued from Wellington's Lambton Harbour on Sunday morning after their ski boat began sinking.

Police received reports of two people in the water close to a sinking ski boat at around 9:05am. The Wellington Police Maritime Unit responded, recovering a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old.

"The vessel had a foot controlled throttle, when the skipper slowed down quickly the wake generated came over the rear of the boat," says Sergeant Richard Kennedy from the Wellington Police Maritime United.

"In a matter of seconds it was almost completely submerged."

Although the teenager's portable marine VHF radio was lost, their lifejackets played a key role in preventing a more serious incident.

"Fortunately they were both wearing lifejackets and chose a good day to go out on the water having checked the forecast," says Sgt Kennedy.

The boat was recovered, and both teens were unharmed.

Sgt Kennedy noted that the teenagers appear to be well-educated on boating and water safety.

Police remind New Zealander to always wear a lifejacket when out on the water, and to tell someone where you're going.

Authorities also recommend having a waterproof cell phone or keeping a phone in a sealed plastic bag when out on the water.

Newshub.