Man pulled out of the water on Christmas Eve after being swept out to sea at Red Rocks, Wellington

A man was pulled out of the water after his kayak was swept out to sea due to the wind and a strong current.

On Christmas Eve, the man launched his kayak at Red Rocks on Wellington’s south coast and planned to fish close to shore.

However, his kayak capsized a few hundred meters out to sea. The man was swept out to sea by strong local currents before he managed to get back into the kayak.

When the man tried to row back to shore, the coastal wind prevented him from moving forward.

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The kayak capsized again, but the man managed to drop anchor to prevent them from being swept out to sea.

The man lost his portable VHF during the capsize and climbed into the capsized kayak.

The man’s cell phone was protected by a waterproof bag, however they were unable to call for help as there was no coverage in the area and his life jacket had deflated.

Fortunately, a person at the top of the hills saw the man struggling in the water and called the police.

A distress was broadcast and the Bluebridge ferry, Straitsman, assisted police by stopping their journey to help find the missing man.

The man was pulled from the water by police at 3 p.m. Thursday.

Sheriff Kyle Smith of the Wellington Maritime Unit said things could easily have ended differently.

“Although the man had enough equipment for his company, several things went wrong, leaving it to chance that he was rescued. [on Christmas Eve]”Smith said.

“The police would like to remind people not to underestimate the weather forecast, check that your equipment is working and always let someone know what your plans are.”