Person missing at Auckland’s Piha was between flags, believed unable to swim
Surf Life Saving crews believe the person missing at Auckland’s Piha was unable to swim.
Seven swimmers got into trouble in rough sea conditions at the notorious west coast beach yesterday afternoon.
Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) said the group had been swept out to sea in a rip.
Today a spokesperson said conditions on Tuesday were rough, with a choppy 2.5m swell, gusting wind and low tide at the time of the incident.
“The swimmers were in the flagged area which meant surf lifeguards were watching and were able to rescue six out of the seven swimmers.”
Four were saved by lifeguards with a rescue board and another two were rescued with an IRB.
“One person, who surf lifeguards understand could not swim, could not be located,” they said.
“Three IRBs and three rescue watercraft [jetskis] were then deployed to search for the missing person.
“Police deployed the Eagle helicopter and deployed police personnel to the beach.”
The Piha Surf Life Saving Club posted on Facebook saying that after the recent drowning of a fisherman at the beach it was a challenging time for the club and the volunteer and paid lifeguards as they navigated these heartbreaking losses.
“Out of respect for the family and to support our surf lifeguards, Piha SLSC has made the decision to cancel the annual Day of Giants surf boat event, which was scheduled for this Saturday.”
The search for the missing swimmer resumed this morning.
A police spokesperson said the shoreline would be searched around the Lion Rock and South Piha/Blue Pool area and Land Search and Rescue would join.
The Eagle helicopter would be monitoring the water from the sky “when possible”, with Land Search and Rescue on the ground.
“Police are liaising with the man’s family, and we will continue to provide updates.”
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