POLICE have this afternoon released the name of the man who drowned at Puatai Beach just south of Waihau Beach (Loisels) yesterday afternoon after he got into trouble while snorkelling. He was Tamahou Wanoa, 53, of Wellington.
Mr Wanoa had been diving at the private beach, which is part of
Pakarae Station, with family and friends. He got into difficulties when he became caught in a rip and disappeared in the surf.
His body floated ashore and his family tried unsuccessfully to revive him, but when the ECT rescue helicopter flew paramedics to the scene they could do nothing to save the man.
He was pronounced deceased at the scene and his body was flown down to Gisborne, and the death has now been referred to the coroner.
