Firefighters warn of possible flare-ups at Port Hills today, PM Christopher Luxon to deliver his first State of the Nation speech and Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny confirmed dead in the latest NZ Herald headlines.
A body found in the Kaipara Harbour yesterday afternoon is thought to be that of the swimmer who went missing from West Auckland’s Piha beach last week.
“While formal identification procedures are yet to be completed, it is thought that the body is the swimmer reported missing from Piha on Sunday, February 11,” a police spokesperson said.
“Police have made contact with the family of the missing person and are providing support.”
In total, 20 surf lifeguards were involved in the search, equipped with two inflatable rescue boats (IRBs) and one rescue watercraft (RWC) on the water.
“Despite their quick response, the water search was suspended at 6:40pm and shoreline searches were halted at 8pm, with no sign of the missing man,” Northern Region general manager Zac Franich said.
“Our thoughts are with the man’s whānau and friends
“Every incident weighs heavily on our Surf Life Saving community and the volunteer surf lifeguards who always respond so bravely.”
Authorities searched the Piha waters for multiple days. Photo / Alex Burton
Surf Life Saving Northern Region support officer Ollie Irwin told the Herald his lifeguards swept the shoreline in the immediate area while police, Coastguard, Land Search and Rescue (LandSar) other Surf Life Saving clubs searched by sea and air.
“Conditions were heavy and unforgiving out there,” Irwin said.
“We will always ask people to swim between the flags, know your limits, swim within your capabilities, and if in doubt, stay out.
“You have got to be sensible about and around the water. The West Coast is pretty unforgiving.
“And please — don’t swim alone.”
He said Surf Life Saving was not in a position to share any details about the missing man.
