Port of Tauranga winch used to rescue teen from river

A Port of Tauranga winch was used to help rescue a teen who dived into shallow water. Photo/supplied

The Port of Tauranga rescue winch was used to rescue a teenager who suffered a deep laceration to his head after hitting a rock when diving into shallow water.

The Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter was called to the Waitawheta River in Waikino at 2.30pm on Sunday to rescue a 13-year-old who was injured after diving into shallow water.

A rescue helicopter spokesman said the teen had hit a rock, resulting in a deep laceration to his head and a possible neck injury.

Due to the location of the patient, the Port of Tauranga Rescue Winch was used to extract the teenager from the scene. The 13-year-old teen was flown to Waikato Hospital for further treatment.