Two men stranded on a drifting jetski off Taranaki Coast - have been rescued

The pair were off the New Plymouth Airport coast when the anchor line was pulled into the craft's intake, damaging the motor and leaving them drifting at sea.

Search and Rescue Spokesman Constable David Bentley says the boys had drifted a considerable distance offshore and were very lucky.

He says although they did everything right - with two forms of communication and lifejackets - this is a strong reminder that conditions at sea can change quickly, and even a small mechanical issue can lead to a potentially life threatening situation.