Police are appealing for information following reports of a small sailboat believed to have been blown out to sea near Boulder Bay, Sumner last night.

A concerned member of the public first spotted the boat near Godley Head around 8:30pm. An hour later, at approximately 9:30pm, the boat was last seen drifting further out to sea. The caller reported that two people appeared to be on board.

Police Search and Rescue teams, along with the Coast Guard and a helicopter, launched an extensive search operation, but no trace of the boat or its occupants was found.

“At this time, no one has been reported missing or overdue to Police,” a spokesperson said. “However, we are asking the public for assistance. If you have any information or were sailing in the area during the specified time, please get in touch with us.”

Police are also asking residents and beachgoers to report any sightings of a missing boat or a boat trolley that may have washed ashore.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Police via 105, quoting reference number P060768883.