A fisherman has been winched to safety after being stranded while rock fishing in Waikato this morning.
The man, in his 30s, was fishing in Kereta in the Coromandel when the rock he was standing on became submerged under the waves.
The man is in a moderate condition and did not require transportation to the hospital via helicopter, a spokesperson for the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust told 1News.
It comes as police last month issued a stark warning about the dangers of fishing from rocks after a man had to be rescued off Auckland’s Bethells Beach.
At the time, Senior Sergeant Garry Larsen, of the Auckland Maritime Unit, said he’s seen “too many tragedies” unfolding in high-risk, dangerous locations, particularly on remote West Coast beaches.
“The combination of its remote location, slippery rocks, and unpredictable sea conditions creates a perilous environment even for the most experienced fishers,” Larsen said.
Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter’s Callan Carn-Bennett said it’s important for rock fishers to “know what you are doing” and carry the correct equipment before attempting to fish from rocks in risky locations.
This includes wearing a life jacket whilst rock fishing, checking tides and swell information before heading out and never fishing in exposed areas during rough or large seas.