Gisborne double drowning: Burial service for brothers held today

The two brothers, Paul (left) and John, drowned at the popular Gisborne beach. Photo / supplied

The burial service for two brothers who drowned at a popular surf beach north of Gisborne at the weekend will be held today.

Paul Wakelin, 23, died trying to rescue his brother John, 18, and his friend who were caught in a rip at Makorori Beach on Saturday.

The older brother was found within half an hour, and after an extensive search John was found around on Tuesday afternoon.

A burial was taking place for the two brothers today, their father Chris Wakelin said.

No further information was currently available about the service.

Earlier this week, Mr Wakelin said the family were "very proud" of Paul for trying to save his younger brother.

"He loved his younger brother dearly," he said.

Mr Wakelin said: "My wife Lynell and I, and our family, are absolutely, totally devastated at the loss of our boys."

The family were camping at the Tatapouri By The Sea campground, 14km north of Gisborne on the East Coast, as they had done for several years at this time of year.

The Wakelin brothers and their 20-year-old family friend went fishing at nearby Makorori Beach on Saturday morning. John and his friend got caught in metre-plus surf about 100m off the beach.

A nearby surfer reached the brothers' friend, got him on his board and back to safety on shore. But the two brothers disappeared in the waves.