By SCOTT INGLIS
A trip to the "big smoke" of Auckland lasted only 20 minutes for two teenage stowaways from Westport.
The boys, aged 15 and 16, fled from a social welfare home and on Tuesday stowed away on the bulk cement ship the Melbourne Carrier 2.
Police say the pair hid in a liferaft for the 24-hour journey to the Onehunga wharves, and helped themselves to torches and matches.
Shortly after the ship berthed near the cement silo, the boys grabbed their sleeping bags and made their dash for freedom.
One slid down a ship-to-shore power cable, the other sprinted down the gangway.
But any plans of roaming the big, bright city were short-lived. Sailors on board saw them and immediately rang police.
Police, including dog handlers and the Eagle helicopter, swooped on the area, and found the pair 20 minutes later at the nearby Manukau Cruising Club.
Police were last night unable to confirm reports that a third stowaway was also on the ship.
Sergeant Peter Kaveney said the boys would be returned to social welfare custody.
It is not known if they will face any charges or police action.
It was also not known last night how they will travel back to Westport.
Quick trip for young stowaways
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