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A 26-year-old man has died after two swimmers were caught in a rip at Karioitahi Beach on Monday evening, despite extensive rescue efforts by lifeguards, emergency services and the Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
Police notified Surf Life Saving at 7.16pm on December 8 that two people were in trouble near the Karioitahi Surf Lifesaving Club.
A Surf Life Saving spokesperson said search and rescue teams responded with one rescue water craft (RWC) and two inflatable rescue boats (IRBs).
One swimmer was rescued by lifeguards and brought safely to shore.
“A search continued for the second person, who was located in the water by the Police Eagle helicopter and recovered by lifeguards. CPR was initiated immediately, but the person was unable to be revived and was pronounced deceased by paramedics.”
A spokesperson for the Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter said the crew had been tasked by Police at 7.25pm and responded alongside Surf Life Saving New Zealand, ambulance and police. Helicopter transport was not required, and the crew later returned to base.
Inspector Jared Pirret, Counties Manukau South Area Commander says police were called at about 7.10pm.
“Our thoughts are with the man’s friends and families for their loss, as well as those responders who did their upmost to bring about a good outcome last night,” Pirret says.
“Any death at our beaches has an impact on them.”
Police will refer the 26-year-old man’s death to the Coroner.
A rāhui has been placed at Karioitahi today by local iwi.
