Tuesday, 07 September 2010
A SAILOR who was rescued after drifting for several days on the seas off Whakatane has been arrested.
The man, who is understood to be from Auckland, set off a distress flare last Saturday – prompting a rescue mission.
Coastguard Whakatane president Peter Milton said the distress signal had resulted in the launch of the coastguard rescue boat.
“We towed him to shore and I don’t know what happened after that as I was out of town myself,” he said.
Eastern Bay search-and-rescue co-ordinator Sergeant Andrew O’Reilly said the man had never been in any danger.
“His drifting is a lifestyle choice. He’s a sea gypsy,” he said.
However, a man who did not want to be named told the Beacon the police had arrested the sailor shortly after his return to shore.
“He’s not from here – he was just passing through – but he was wanted by police,” the man said.
Senior Sergeant Bruce Jenkins confirmed the arrest.
“He was arrested on an unrelated matter – nothing to do with the maritime rescue – and I can’t comment as the matter is currently before the courts,” he said.