Man in hospital after falling into Napier harbour while intoxicated

The rescue happened off West Quay in Ahuriri, which is a popular nightlife precinct next to the Napier harbour. Photo / Connull Lang

An intoxicated man fell into the Napier harbour and had to be rescued early on Sunday by firefighters and members of the public before being taken to hospital in a serious condition.

Emergency services were called to West Quay in the suburb of Ahuriri about 2am, which is a popular nightlife precinct.

A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesman said “one person had fallen off a wall” into the water opposite the bar strip.

Napier Fire Station confirmed he was intoxicated.

A Hato Hone St John ambulance spokesperson said one patient was assessed at the scene and taken to Hawke’s Bay Hospital in a serious condition.

West Quay in Ahuriri next to Napier harbour.

A police spokesperson said a man had fallen into the water between a fishing boat and the wharf.

“He was kept afloat by members of the public in the boat.

“Fire and Emergency got the man to climb up the ladder to safety and he was assessed by ambulance.”

Hawke’s Bay Hospital could not provide an update on the patient when contacted on Sunday.