Capsized kayaker only concerned about cost of rescue

A capsized German kayaker saved by a Greymouth fishing boat crew last night was more interested in how much the rescue would cost him than being fished out of the water.

The tourist was among a group of four who were kayaking in the Grey River before they headed out over the bar and into the swells.

But as they tried to re-enter the river mouth the kayakers struggled and one of them capsized.

Larry Johnston, skipper of the Moata fishing boat, said they were steaming back to port when they saw the kayak floating in the sea and a man hanging on to the side.

"I thought he was in a funny place. He looked pretty cold."

He said he took the boat alongside the tourist who seemed hesitant to be rescued if it cost too much.

"He was more worried about the cost of the rescue than actually being rescued."

Mr Johnston said the man had been in the water for about 20 or 30 minutes and would not have lasted another 20 minutes.

The man was plucked from the water and taken ashore but showed no gratitude.

"He didn't even thank us - it was all about the money. He kept asking how much it would cost."

- NZPA