A Temuka man is offering a reward for the return of a $16,500 jet ski he lost off the coast of Oamaru on Sunday.
Adrian De Villiers was jet-skiing off Cape Wanbrow when he fell off. The motor failed to cut out as designed and, despite his efforts to reach it, the craft cruised away at between 6 and 7 knots and disappeared.
A search on Sunday failed to find the jet ski. Crews of fishing boats and recreational craft were asked yesterday to keep a watch for the Yamaha Superjet, which is dark blue with yellow and silver trim.
Mr De Villiers bought the jet ski about two years ago and heavily modified it for freestyle riding. He brings it to Oamaru to ride it because of the waves available.
During a somersault on Sunday, he fell off and the ski's engine cover broke loose, which could have damaged the craft's "kill switch".
As the jet ski moved away, he swam after it, but it was moving too fast.
Mr De Villiers swam ashore - which took "forever" - but from the shore could not see his jet ski.
He was also taken out to search for it, but still could not find it.
At the time, there was a north-south current, so he went down to Kakanui to ask people to keep a watch, but by yesterday, it had still not turned up.
The jet ski had a full tank of fuel, but Mr De Villiers hopes the missing engine cover will allow sea water in, which would cut the engine.
