Overdue diver rescued from Manukau Harbour

An overdue scuba diver was rescued in the Manukau Harbour last night, October 26.

“At around 6.39pm, police received a report of an overdue scuba diver in the Manukau Harbour, in the Waiuku Channel,” a police spokesperson said.

“With assistance from volunteers from Coastguard Waiuku and Coastguard Papakura, police searched for the diver in the area,” they told the Franklin Times.

“Police contacted the Coastguard National Operations Centre requesting assistance in the search for an overdue scuba diver in the Waiuku Channel, Manukau Harbour, after his diving buddies raised the alarm when they lost sight of him,” Coastguard New Zealand posted to social media.

“Waiuku Coastguard volunteers were on the water aboard’ NZ Steel Rescue’ within 35 minutes, joined shortly after by ‘Joe Hawke Rescue’ from Papakura Coastguard, working alongside the Police Eagle helicopter.

“At 7.49pm, Eagle spotted the diver around 1.6km from his last known position. Our Waiuku crew navigated the shallow waters to reach him, bringing him safely onboard for a quick assessment before transporting him to shore to meet police and Hato Hone St John.

“We’re pleased to share that the diver was in good spirits when found. A huge thank you to everyone involved – and especially our incredible Coastguard Waiuku and Papakura volunteers – for an outstanding team effort and a very happy ending,” the Facebook post said.

Hato Hone St John said they responded with one ambulance and one clinical support vehicle at Pollock near Waiuku.

“Our crews assessed and treated one patient in a minor condition at the scene.”