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Kayakers rescued in Otago after sea lion scare

Two kayakers scared out of the water by sea lions have been rescued from rocks near Balclutha.

The women suffered mild hypothermia after the run-in at Nuggets Point on Thursday morning.

Police say the kayakers were forced onto the rocks after being scared by the sea lions in the water.

"One person managed to make it back to shore safely, however two of the kayakers sought shelter on nearby rocks and were unable to get back to shore due to rough water conditions," police said.

The women suffered mild hypothermia after the run-in at Nuggets Point on Thursday morning. Photo: Google Maps

A rescue boat and jet ski were sent to help them but were unable to reach the pair because of large swells.

They remained on the rocks for around three hours until a rescue helicopter from Dunedin managed to winch them to safety at around 1.30pm.

Both were taken to hospital for minor injuries and mild hypothermia.

– With NZN