Teen rescued by hero cop after yacht capsizes

Thomas George spent 40 minutes in the Otago Harbour this morning after capsizing his yacht before being rescued by his father. Photo / Stephen Jaquiery

The "selfless and courageous" efforts of a Dunedin Police officer potentially saved the life of a 15-year-old sailor this morning, after the teen's yacht capsized on Otago Harbour.

Thomas George was sailing from Macandrew Bay past The Gums, on his way to his father's sailing class at the Vauxhall Yacht Club, when his vessel capsized about 9.30am in choppy conditions.

Constable Rhys Davidson was about three hours into his early shift when Dunedin police were alerted by concerned members of the public.

The yacht had capsized about 100m offshore near Portobello and sea conditions were described as rough with large swells. The yacht had its mast stuck in sand, in 5m of water.

Dunedin area commander Inspector Jason Guthrie said Mr Davidson was the first officer at the scene and immediately "sized up the situation" before jumping into the water to help the teen.

He said Mr Davidson had quickly realised that without help, "the young lad was in serious trouble".

"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."

Mr Guthrie said it could have been a different story if Mr Davidson had not acted when he did.

"We could just as easily have been dealing with a tragedy ... "

But for Mr Davidson it was just another day on the job and, after a hot shower and cup of coffee, he was back to work.

"I just did what any other cop would do," he said.

"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."

Thomas George was returned to shore and taken to Dunedin Hospital for a check-up.
He is understood to be receiving treatment for mild hypothermia, police said.

Despite the teen being well prepared with a wetsuit and lifejacket, and despite him being a fairly experienced young sailor, police said the water was cold and so he would have been in serious trouble if he had he been stuck in the water for much longer.

Mr Davidson commended the member of the public, who jumped into the water with him and swam out to the yacht, for his part in the rescue.

Mr Guthrie acknowledged the help of the Coastguard and other members of the public who had assisted in the rescue.

Neil George, Thomas' father, also attended the incident with students from his class in an inflatable speed boat.

"It's what they call a teachable moment," he said.

He said his son was "fine" despite the ordeal.