Stranded tinnie rescued

Point Danger Marine Rescue commander Bernie Gabriel.

Crystal Spencer

RESCUERS were called on to help a boat off Cook Island that ran out of petrol.

Point Danger Marine Rescue Crew had to negotiate a rough bar to get to the stricken vessel at about 7pm on Wednesday.

"It was a 14-foot tinnie with two people on board," Point Danger Marine Rescue commander Bernie Gabriel said.

"They set of a distress signal but it took a little while for our boys to find them because they had no light.

"It wasn't too rough coming back so we towed them in back through the bar."

Mr Gabriel said the boat had run out of petrol.

"People have confidence in the rescue units," he said.

"It gives the people courage to go out and wide (into the ocean)."