Northland Police say family members of two people who almost died when they took their jetski out in rough conditions were stupid to go out on a second jetski and retrieve the lost one.
Police said initially that 55-year-old man and his 15-year-old son who failed to return from checking crayfish pots off the east coast south of Whangärei on Sunday were lucky to be alive after venturing into rough seas on a jetski.
They were found about four hours later.
Despite severe marine weather warnings the pair went to check crayfish pots on Sunday, going from Langs Beach to McKenzie Bay on the east coast south of Whangarei.
They failed to return an hour later and a police search team, plus Coastguard and surf lifers were called.
The pair were eventually found about four hours later - father had no ill effects, but the boy was very cold and had early signs of hypothermia.
Senior Sergeant Cliff Metcalfe said going out in those conditions defied logic. He said they put their lives, and the lives of those rescuing them, at risk.
The original stupidity was compounded when other family members went out - on another jetski - to recover the first one said search and rescue controller, says Constable Sue Grocott.
"This was completely irresponsible, considering two family members had just been rescued from rough sea and were lucky to survive.''
