Dunedin police are annoyed after a full-scale search and rescue mission was launched to find four people off the coast of Karitane, who were later found safe and sound at home.
Senior Sergeant Ed Baker said three males - the youngest aged 23, the eldest 58 - and a 22-year-old female were on a fishing trip on Saturday morning when their 5m long Stabicraft was swamped by a large wave as they were returning to shore about 10am.
The four were thrown from the boat when it flipped near the heads at Karitane, he said.
The incident was reported to police and the Otago Rescue Helicopter was launched with Marine Search and Rescue staff on board. Dunedin police also attended.
Snr Sgt Baker said unbeknown to him or the search and rescue team, the four swam 200m to the shore, returned to the boat ramp to collect their vehicle, and then drove to their holiday home at Karitane.
"We didn't know if there was anyone in the boat or in the water."
An initial search of the area turned up nothing, he said.
"We eventually, through inquiries, located these people back at their address.
"They were attempting to contact the appropriate people, but not in our timeframe."
Snr Sgt Baker said the four should have contacted the police sooner.
It could have saved a lot of time, energy and important resources, he said.
