Raft group found safe

Press, 13 December 1982, Page 6

Raft group found safe

PA Wellington A party of rafters was stranded on the banks of the Motu River after two of their three rafts were swept away in rising waters early yesterday morning. The police sent a helicopter to look for the 35-mem-ber party when the two empty rafts were seen floating out to sea at the mouth of the Motu River, near Opotiki. The rafters were found _ safe and well over a 50km ’ stretch of the river's lower reaches later in the morning, said Constable R. Joblin. of the Opotiki police. The mishap occurred after the rafters set up camp on Saturday night. The river rose after 4 a.m.. sweeping the two rafts from their

moorings, said Constable Joblin. The two raft companies involved were negotiating with a private company for a price to fly them out by helicopter, he said. The rafters were in no danger and their recovery was the responsibility of the companies involved, not the Government, he said. The rafters apparently left for their trip up the river on Friday and were equipped for three nights, said Constable Joblin. He thought some of the party would be able to return by raft or jet boat, but the rest would have to be flown out. The weather in the 'area was good yesterday, but the forecast was for it to deteriorate.