Man charged after sailing away with kids

A man accused of stealing a yacht and taking to the seas with his two sons and two other children has been charged.

The 42-year-old man and his sons, aged eight and 12, as well as a 14-year-old girl and a 12-year-old boy who are family friends were located north of Batemans Bay on Tuesday, a day after authorities began looking for them.

The man allegedly took his fishing gear and left with the children following an argument with his partner, and several hours after returning to shore on Tuesday he was charged with stealing the yacht.