Tragic reminder of nature's power

Northland coroner Brandt Shortland has found that 55-year-old Auckland man Jack Maynard Wiki died by drowning in the vicinity of The Bluff on 90 Mile Beach on December 29, 2009, and that he was in the process of trying to save his grandchildren when he was overwhelmed by the conditions.

No other factors or health issues had played a role in Mr Wiki's death; "It is a drowning in its purest form," Mr Shortland said in his decision.,

Mr Wiki had gone to the rescue of two grandchildren, aged six and seven, when they were swept away by a rip while they were playing in knee-deep water while he and his brother-in-law gathered kina some 50 metres away. He in turn got into trouble, a young man going to his assistance and also being overwhelmed. The would-be rescuer barely made it to safety himself, and then only with help from friends.

Others successfully rescued the children.

The first rescuer, Matthew Sheterline, had told the court that he was not a great swimmer, and that he had struggled to keep himself afloat along with Mr Wiki, who had been under the water for about a minute. A large swell parted them, and he was unable to find Mr Wiki again.

He was eventually pulled to safety on the rocks by friends, his legs bleeding,completely exhausted and distressed that he had been unable to help Mr Wiki.

By the time Mr Wiki's body was retrieved from the surf he had been missing for 20 to 30 minutes. resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful.

Mr Brandt said Mr Wiki had been raised in the area and had local knowledge. He had taken every precaution with his grandchildren, who had got into unexpected difficulty very quickly. It was fortuitous that other holiday-makers had helped the children. Without their efforts there might have been more fatalities.

Local Maori had described the water around The Bluff as unforgiving, and not a place where people swam.

"It is a further reminder to all New Zealanders and tourists who enjoy engaging the sea to never underestimate the conditions and recognise how quickly they can change," he added.

"The children were playing in what may have been considered a relatively safe situation, but it turned to tragedy so quickly and unexpectedly. Even for the competent and experienced swimmer, conditions, rips and large swells can be fatal at the end of the day."