Two men were rescued over the weekend after their boat broke down in a remote area south of Milford Sound in Fiordland.
The pair had been on a fishing and diving trip when their 6.4-metre recreational boat suffered mechanical failure on Saturday night, leaving them stranded.
Using their iPhone satellite emergency text system, the men were able to message for help. Their alert was received by the iPhone Emergency Communications Centre in the Netherlands, which then relayed the information to NZ Police.
Maritime NZ issued hourly marine VHF radio broadcasts in search of any vessels nearby that could assist, but no immediate help came forward.
"Police and family were arranging a float plane to deliver replacement batteries the following morning," said Sergeant Dougall Henderson, Invercargill Police Search and Rescue Coordinator. "Fortunately, a recreational boatie on a day’s fishing trip heard the VHF broadcast and responded."
The skipper and his three passengers were able to reach the stranded men and tow their vessel roughly 50 kilometres back to Milford Sound.
"Although the boys were well prepared with lifejackets, two forms of communication and had not consumed alcohol, the incident highlights how difficult assistance can be if you have a mechanical failure or emergency situation," said Sergeant Henderson.
Police used the incident to remind the public about essential safety measures when boating, especially in isolated areas like Fiordland.
"Always wear lifejackets, ensure you have two forms of communication including a PLB or EPIRB, check the weather forecast, avoid alcohol, tell someone your plans, and make sure you have an auxiliary motor," said Sergeant Henderson.
Police also extended their thanks to the skipper and crew who gave up their fishing trip to assist the men in need.