The quick actions of a Dunedin Police officer averted a potential tragedy in Otago harbour earlier today after a young boatie got into difficulty when his vessel capsized in choppy conditions.
General Duties Constable Rhys Davidson was about three hours into an early shift when Police were alerted about 9.30am by concerned members of the public who reported a young sailor was in trouble about 100m offshore near Portobello. Sea conditions at the time were rough with large swells.
“As the first officer on the scene, Constable Davidson immediately sized up the situation, realising quickly that without help, the young lad was in serious trouble,” says Dunedin Area Commander Inspector Jason Guthrie.
“Without sparing a thought for himself, he stripped out of his uniform, and with the aid of a member of the public wearing a wetsuit, immediately swam out to where the 15-year-old-boy was clinging to his upturned craft.
“Thanks to Constable Davidson’s selfless and courageous actions, the boy, who had been in the chilly water for almost 30 minutes, was able to be rescued safely without further incident. However, it could have been a very different story had he not acted when he did, and we could just as easily have been dealing with a tragedy,” Mr Guthrie says.
The boy was subsequently picked up by a rescue vessel and returned to shore. He is understood to be receiving treatment for mild hypothermia.
But for Constable Davidson, it was just another day on the job. After a hot shower and a cup of coffee, it was back to work.
“I just did what any other cop would do,” he says. “I was confident I would be able to get out to him so just stripped down to my undies and swam out. I explained that I was a police officer and jokingly apologised that I didn’t have my notebook with me, but that the rescue boat was on its way.
“I just tried to provide him with some reassurance and keep him talking until the rescue boat arrived. While he was well prepared with a wetsuit and lifejacket, and was a fairly experienced young sailor, the water is pretty cold, so he would have been in serious trouble had he been stuck out there too much longer.
“The member of the public who jumped in with me and swam out also needs to be commended for his part in the rescue as well.”
Mr Guthrie also acknowledged the help of the Coastguard and other members of the public who had assisted in the rescue.
ENDS
Media contact: Ross Henderson, PNHQ Public Affairs, ph 026 101 082.