Two fishermen are “lucky to be alive” after a “complex” and “difficult” rescue off the rocks at Auckland’s Te Henga Bethells Beach last night.
Surf Life Saving said lifeguards extracted the pair from the rocks at the blowhole at O’Neills Bay after one of them was swept off rocks just before 7.30pm.
“Two other fishermen somehow got the injured and unconscious man back onto the rocks and one walked back to the beach to alert surf lifeguards,” a statement said.
“With two metre-plus swells making it impossible to get an inflatable rescue boat (IRB) close enough, an incoming tide and fast-reducing light, rescue swimmers assisted by a jet ski swam the two fishermen from the rocks to the safety of the IRB.”
The Westpac Rescue Helicopter hovered above for the second rescue to watch sea conditions and assist with the timing of the jetski pick up.
The daily mission reports from the helicopter said the rescue was “well executed” and that the winch was not required.
Northern operations manager James Lea said the rescue was more complex due to rough and heavy surf conditions and the fact they were not wearing life jackets.
“This is one of the most dangerous spots in New Zealand and given the time of day, conditions and the fact they weren’t wearing lifejackets this very well could have been a tragedy.”
The Bethells evening summer trial, which has senior surf lifeguards observing the beach, meant lifeguards were able to respond quickly, he added.
“I’d like to thank the surf lifeguards involved who braved rough conditions and falling light to bring these men back to their families.”
