A group of students had to be rescued from Pudding Island in Otago Harbour last night after they were stranded by the rising tide.
The Dunedin Coastguard was alerted after Portobello residents reported hearing calls for help coming from the island.
Senior Constable Lox Kellas, of Portobello, said a dozen students had walked out to the island, near Portobello, at low tide, with a quantity of alcohol.
The rescue mission was launched because of fears the students could have injured themselves while walking around the rocky island in the dark, Snr Const Kellas said.
"Common sense prevailed and we decided to get them off the island for safety reasons," he said.
"They would have been stuck there until 1am when the tide went out again, otherwise."
Moving the stranded students took place about 8.30pm.
None of the 12 students would be charged, but the University of Otago proctor would be informed, Snr Const Kellas said.
