Three men whose boat sunk off the coast of Whangaparaoa this morning made their first vital phone call not to emergency services- but to one of their wives. The trio were found clinging to a chilly bin after their tinnie sunk shortly after 8am this morning. Attending Westpac rescue helicopter pilot Dave Walley reminded boaties that police were the main tasking force and anybody in need of rescue should contact them first. He praised the men, who were all wearing lifejackets, for staying near their boat by clinging to debris, including a chilly bin, while they waited for rescuers. It was unclear why the boat had sunk and men were presumed to be fishermen, Walley said.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 12, 2018 22:18 UTC