Two kayakers, a 59 year old and 29 year old father and son, have been rescued from Wellington Harbour after getting into trouble while out fishing.

The pair left Petone this morning, both wearing lifejackets and each had a mobile phone in a waterproof plastic bag.

The weather deteriorated and when they were around 200 metres off shore one of the kayakers became swamped by a wave and overturned.

In assisting the first kayaker the second kayaker also overturned and both ended up in the water.

They were unable to get back into their kayaks and called 111.

Officers onshore attended and kept an eye on the pair in the water while the Lady Elizabeth IV and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter went to rescue them.

One person was winched into the helicopter and the other, along with the two kayaks, was picked up by Lady Liz.

They were assessed by paramedics and were a bit cold after spending 40 minutes in the water but otherwise unharmed.

Police Maritime Unit Constable Barry Murfin says they were well prepared and did the right thing when they got into trouble.

“Things can change quickly on the water so wearing a life jacket and having forms of communication are your best chance of keeping yourself safe on the water.”

“These two made it out of a potentially very dangerous scenario unharmed and have their own preparedness to thank.”

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