Four people made it out of the water and a fifth was reported missing after an emergency at Karioitahi Beach, southwest of Auckland, on Saturday evening, November 14. One of those brought ashore was in a serious but stable condition.
Police were called at about 6:30 p.m. NZDT after receiving reports of five people in distress in the water. Three of the four people who reached shore were reported to have minor injuries.
“Four people have since exited the water safely,” Acting Inspector Kuhrt Wieneke said in a statement reported by 1News.
The emergency response then focused on locating the remaining person.
“Police are working with partner agencies to search for the fifth person,” Wieneke said.
Hato Hone St John confirmed it had responded to the incident.
West coast beach near Waiuku
Karioitahi Beach lies about seven kilometres west of Waiuku, on the stretch of coastline between the Manukau Harbour entrance and the Waikato River mouth.
The local surf lifesaving club was founded in 1969 and is run by volunteers. Its work includes beach patrols and emergency rescue services.
According to Surf Life Saving New Zealand, the club provides volunteer patrols on weekends and public holidays from Labour Weekend through to the end of the Easter school holidays. It also maintains a call-out squad that can respond throughout the year.
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