Man ‘acted stupidly’ for sparking rescue

A sea rescue official has described as stupid the actions of a man who failed to report he was safe after his dinghy overturned off Geraldton last night.

The dinghy was discovered about 1.2 nautical miles off Point Moore Lighthouse about 4.30am today, sparking a search involving sea rescue volunteers and fishing vessels that continued until 7.27am, when it became apparent the man was safe and well.

Geraldton Volunteer Marine Rescue vice-commander Ian Beard said the man told them he had been surfing last night when the dinghy overturned, so he paddled back to shore and went home, intending to retrieve the dinghy after he had slept.

He did not report the incident to police.

He arrived at the scene in a small boat about 7.30am today to retrieve the dinghy.

“After a night in his warm bed he set out this morning to retrieve his boat,” Mr Beard said.

“Our crew on the other hand went back to shore to have a hot shower, put on some dry clothes and head off to work.

“All this goes to prove the old adage there is no cure for stupid.”