Man who jumped from Devonport ferry dies

An Auckland man who jumped from the Devonport Ferry on the North Shore on Sunday afternoon has died in hospital.

He has been named as Simon Johnston, 53.

Mr Johnston rushed through an exit door and attempted to jump off the ferry, back onto the wharf, while it was leaving the terminal shortly before 4.30pm on Sunday, witnesses told police.

A Fullers crewman alerted the rest of the crew, then put on a lifejacket and jumped into the water to help.

Mr Johnston was rescued from the sea by the Coastguard and resuscitated, before being taken to North Shore Hospital for treatment to a head injury.

Police interviewed a number of passengers and witnesses at the terminal who confirmed the man was a ferry passenger who had attempted to jump to the wharf.

His family have passed on their thanks to the two men who tried to help him and to North Shore Hospital staff.

Police have completed their investigation, and referred the matter to the coroner.

- NZPA