The 100-year-old vessel TSS Earnslaw steamed to help a windsurfer in trouble on Friday night.
Acting Sergeant Blair Duffy, of Queenstown, said about 4.45pm the windsurfer was reported to have got into difficulty on Lake Wakatipu, near Matakauri Lodge. A kayaker tried to tow the windsurfer to shore, ''but that proved difficult''.
''Police made an appeal by way of the marine channel and the Earnslaw responded and managed to assist,'' Sgt Duffy said.
''It managed to push the windsurfer to shore.''
Real Journeys marketing and communications manager Lenska Papich said Earnslaw was diverted to assist the troubled windsurfer, but on arrival discovered the situation was in hand.
''The boys just followed them for a couple of minutes to make sure they got [to shore] safely.''
