Rescuers had to let go of man they were trying to save

Rescuers had struggled to hold on to a man attempting to save his dog in the sea off Banks Peninsular yesterday but had to release him and he drowned.

The Dominion-Post reported that two people had dived into the sea at Birdlings Flat to try save Christchurch man David Clarke, who had been attempting to rescue his dog, Rossy.

Constable Rob Stuart, of Lincoln police, said Mr Clarke had been at the flat with friends when he dashed into the water after Rossy, who got caught in high waves while fetching sticks.

"Two people went into the water to save him and had a hold of him for a while but had to let go," Mr Stuart told the newspaper.

Mr Clarke's body, along with that of his dog, was recovered.

- NZPA