The Indian High Commission in Wellington is in touch with the families of the two victims who drowned at Auckland’s Piha Beach on Saturday.
Second Secretary Durga Dass confirmed that the High Commission had contacted the parents of Saurin Nayankumar Patel and Anshul Shah, who hailed from Ahmedabad in the Indian State of Gujarat.
Patel, 28, was an electrical engineer who arrived in New Zealand in August, while Shah, 31, worked as a cashier at a gas station and arrived in NZ in November. Both men were work visa holders.
In response to a query from the Indian Weekender, Second Secretary Dass added: “We will initiate steps to repatriate their bodies to India once we receive a written request from the parents.”
The two men, who had been swimming outside the patrolled area, had been brought ashore by lifeguards who attempted to resuscitate them.
“But unfortunately, both were pronounced deceased,” said Auckland lifeguard Faron Turner.
Authorities say five people have perished in waters around Auckland over the weekend, bringing the total of drowning deaths across New Zealand since Tuesday to 10.
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