Source: New Zealand Police
This morning two people visiting the Whiritoa blowhole got caught out by the big surf and incoming tide. Then a bystander nearby watching also got into trouble.
Waikato police are urging anyone near the coastline to take extra care as the conditions can change at any time.
Sergeant Bradley York from the Waikato Search and Rescue team says Police were alerted around 8.30am.
“The surf was big and the tide was coming in.
“Two males were stuck in the Whiritoa blowhole and one had a suspected broken leg,” says Sergeant York.
Emergency services joined forces with Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Surf Life Saving New Zealand and the Auckland Westpac Rescue helicopter working together.
“While we were winching the injured man out of the blowhole we heard about someone else who was watching the rescue.
“He’d been taking photos from rocks nearby then been washed off into the surf.
“We had to divert away from the initial rescue, and shift to the more urgent situation where he was in the sea.
“After we winched out the bystander we went back to the original scene and rescued the remaining person from the blowhole.
“This was a good reminder to members of the public to exercise caution near the sea as conditions can change rapidly.
“Please take care near water – be aware of the tide and the risks,” said Sergeant York.
All three people were successfully airlifted to safety and for medical support as required.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
