A surfer who sparked a search and rescue mission off Brighton Beach on Saturday night probably made it to shore under their own steam.
An Otago Regional Rescue Helicopter was used to search for the surfer after a member of the public spotted someone in trouble near Big Rock between Brighton and Ocean View about 5.30pm.
The helicopter performed a sweep of the beach but was unable to see any sign of the surfer.
Police also failed to find any unaccounted-for vehicles in the area and were yet to receive a missing persons report from the public. The search was called off about 6.30pm.
Otago Coastal SAR co-ordinator Sergeant Nathan White said as no missing persons reports had been filed the decision was made not to resume the search yesterday morning.
"Seems like they self-rescued or got to shore on their own."
Sgt White praised the actions of the passer-by who made the call.
"They did the right thing by letting us know."
