Five people have been rescued after spending 36 hours in a broken-down four-metre tinny, west of Darwin.
Three adults and two teenagers left Pioneer Beach, about 25 kilometres from Darwin, aboard the boat on Tuesday afternoon and were reported missing later that night.
NT Police sent out three boats, an aircraft and were supported by the Australian Defence Force and three private helicopters during the rescue.
Police said the vessel was spotted by an ADF aircraft at 1am Thursday morning in Bynoe Harbour, after it broke down near Turtle Island, which sits about 20 kilometres west of their starting position.
The stranded passengers were rescued a short time later and were "all suffering dehydration and exposure", police said.
"Thirty-six hours on the water is quite an ordeal, but all five are in good spirits," NT Police acting sergeant Christopher Raeburn said.
"This positive outcome was the result of a number of different public and private agencies working together and sharing resources under the coordination of NT Police search and rescue.
Police said all people taking boats out on Northern Territory waters should ensure they have adequate supplies, clothing, equipment and a registered and working Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB).
