After a multi agency Search and Rescue operation this morning, 12 people were located safe and well near Maningrida early today.

Police received reports of an overdue party in the Blythe River, with five adults and seven children on board an 18 foot dinghy. The party set off from an outstation on the Blythe River the previous day however failed to arrive at their planned destination.

A multi agency Search and Rescue operation was coordinated from Darwin, with Maningrida Police and Sea Rangers.

At approximately 10:00 am this morning the overdue vessel was located abandoned on the Blythe River by the Sea Rangers. They then continued to track the missing party over land until they were located safe and well a short time later.

Senior Sergeant Glenn McPhee praised all parties involved in the operation.

"I would like to thank Air North and Hardy Aviation, who diverted flights to assist with the search. The Australian Rescue Coordination Centre was also a great help, maintaining an overwatch of the operation.

"It's comforting to see how local people come to help each other when called upon. It's also another clear example of how a well managed Sea Ranger program is an invaluable asset in remote coastal communities. These guys responded immediately and used their local knowledge and initiative to bring about a terrific result" he said.