Woman sucked out to sea

A woman drowned yesterday when she was dragged out to sea at a beach known for its strong undertow.

The 46-year-old was sitting in shallow water at the northern end of Pacific Beach, off Napier's Marine Parade, about 3.45pm when she was pulled out by a series of huge waves.

Onlookers who tried to reach the woman were beaten back by the waves.

A diver lowered from a rescue helicopter reached the woman 75m offshore and 500m from where she was sucked out to sea. She could not be revived.

Police said the beach was known to have a strong undertow and urged users to be careful.