A New Zealand woman survived two days adrift in a tiny rubber dinghy by rationing a supply of boiled sweets and putting a red bag on her head to attract attention.

Kushila Stein was rescued at sea north of Crete after a massive search involving Greek Coast Guard vessels, civilian boats and aircraft.

During her ordeal, in which she had no fresh water, the experienced sailor put plastic bags on her feet to keep warm at night, used a mirror to try to attract attention and ate boiled sweets that she happened to have with her.

She put a red bag on her head during the day in the hope that she might be spotted by a passing ship or plane.

She wrote her mother’s name and contact details on the hull of the dinghy, in the event that she did not survive.

Ms Stein, 47, was helping a British man, identified only as Mike, to take a yacht from southern Turkey to Athens.