In a desperate bid for freedom, a Porirua man fled from Police in a boat today, only to be pursued across the water by Wellington Maritime Unit's vessel Lady Elizabeth IV.
Officers had gone to the Mana Twin Bridges public boat ramp about 8.30am and told the 27-year-old Porirua man he was under arrest for breaching bail conditions. Rather than face the consequences of his actions on a public holiday, the man jumped into his boat and fled towards the horizon.
Unbeknown to him, his plan had already hit a critical issue; the shore-based officers reported his escape from custody and The Maritime Unit answered their call.
The Police catamaran, Lady Elizabeth IV, was operating nearby and its crew began searching for a "red and old" boat, which came into view about 20 minutes later, off the Plimmerton coastline.
Unit Supervisor Sergeant Richard Kennedy says the appearance of the Police boat, complete with flashing lights, probably came as a surprise to the absconding skipper, who allegedly ignored all instructions to stop.
"When he saw us, he did a 180 in his boat and headed off at a rate of knots. He hit Porirua harbour at speed and headed toward the shore, with us in pursuit.
"It didn't get any better for the absconder because we were speaking with Police units on the ground and letting them know where he was heading ashore."
The Lady Elizabeth IV crew boarded their tender in anticipation of finishing their pursuit on dry land, but the co-ordination meant officers were already waiting nearby. They found the man hiding under a boat shed on the south side of the twin bridges at Paremata.
Fifteen minutes after trying to outrun the Lady Elizabeth IV, the man was back in custody.
"It's extremely unusual for boats not to comply with directions - most boaties are great to deal with and it's very unusual for them to try to run from us."
The man has been charged with breach of bail, and escaping custody. A further charge of dangerous boating is being considered.
Fisheries Officers are also making enquiries after an inspection of the vessel.
He is expected to appear in the Wellington District Court in the coming days.
