Two rescue operations off the Kakanui coast in the past two days have North Otago search and rescue marine adviser John McLellan concerned.
On Tuesday a Timaru man and his 11-year-old son were rescued after the engine on their boat failed.
Yesterday, another rescue in the same area involved a bigger boat with engine trouble. There were two people on board.
On Tuesday, Timaru's Shane Chisnall and son Matthew were hoping to enjoy a relaxing day's fishing, but when the motor seized their day went from bad to worse.
Mr Chisnall had a global positioning system on board, but rescuers still had trouble finding him.
Mr McLellan said there was confusion as to where he was.
"We made contact with him via cellphone and found out he had an orange flare on board. We got him to light it and as soon as he did that we could see him. It was a straightforward rescue, but there was a bit of concern because there was a wee boy on board."
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