Ruff day on the water as Huxley the dog floats away

6:35 pm on 19 June 2023
Police rescue dog named Huxley after it drifted out to sea in a tender in Auckland.

Huxley floated 400 metres away from his owner. Photo: Supplied / New Zealand Police

A lone pup has been rescued after floating out to sea on a dinghy in Auckland's Hobson Bay.

On Monday, the Police Maritime Unit was called by a member of the public after his dog, Huxley, accidentally drifted out to sea.

Acting Sergeant Jesse Jenden said Huxley's owner had been checking his vessel on a mooring in Judges Bay when the dinghy - and Huxley - floated away.

Jenden said Huxley was found 400 metres away from his owner.

Police rescue dog named Huxley after it drifted out to sea in a tender in Auckland.

Photo: Supplied / New Zealand Police

"He was friendly as, and happy to see us. It was a great day to be out on the water and clearly Huxley was taking advantage of the sunshine," Jenden said.

"It was the first time I've ever encountered a dog skippering his own boat. They say every dog has his day, and lucky for Huxley the police were there to help when his arrived.

"Our vision is to make New Zealand the safest country, for everyone."

Huxley was soon reunited with his owner and police said it was fair to say the pup was happy to have his four legs back on land.