The father of an 8-year-old boy found alone and calling for help in the waters of the Marlborough Sounds was not very happy with the boatie who returned him.
The Christchurch boatie, John Fisher, found the boy floating off Blumine Island without a life jacket last night.
SergeantLindsay Turner, of police southern communications, said the boatie was cruising in the area when he heard the voice of a young child calling out, "Dad".
The boy had apparently come off a boat operated by his father.
The boatie rescued the youngster and then caught up with the father's craft, Mr Turner said.
"The child was returned to the man who was not impressed and did not show any concern for the child."
The father grabbed the boy and motored off again without thanking the rescuer, Mr Turner said.
Mr Fisher told The Press newspaper he could see the boy's head in the water because it was calm.
"He was in a very distraught state, slowly going under - it was just terrible."
Mr Fisher saw a boat heading away a couple of kilometres away and caught up with it.
"The guy never even stopped his boat. I said 'are you missing something mate?' He said 'no, what's your problem?'
"He had all these kids onboard and none of them had lifejackets ... he didn't say anything (when the boy was returned), he just drove off."
Earlier police said Mr Fisher may have saved the youngster's life.
Picton police were investigating but said details were sketchy and they had not been able to locate the boy's father or the boat.
The boat was believed to be a 12m bridgedecker, white with a red flag, last seen heading towards Anakiwa.
