Esky keeps pair afloat

TWO men were found clinging to an Esky after spending the night in seas off the northernNSWcoast.

The men are recovering in hospital after their ordeal, which began when their boat capsized on Friday while cruising between Ballina and Evans Head.

A search was sparked after NSW water police received a mayday advising a vessel had begun taking on water.

A helicopter search of the area failed to find the boat or the men. The search resumed yesterday and the submerged vessel was found shortly afterwards.

The men were spotted nearby wearing life jackets and holding on to a large Esky. The pair were taken to Lismore Base Hospital.