A proficient swimmer, 19-year-old Hiran Joseph, found himself overpowered by crashing waves while enjoying a swim with his brother and a friend at Auckland’s Karioitahi Beach on January 2.
At about 7:30pm, strong sea currents abruptly pushed them into rough waters. While the other two managed to reach the shore, Joseph remained trapped and was swept out to sea.
Search and rescue teams located Joseph’s body almost 20 kilometres away at Hamilton’s Gap on Sunday, five days after he went missing. His father, Huxluy Jenniston Joseph, is still grappling with the shock of losing his youngest child, according to news website Stuff.
Krishan Gallage, founder of SLNZ Helpline, told Stuff Joseph's elder brother, rushed to the hospital on January 3, was in extreme shock, haunted by the inability to save his younger brother. Hiran’s mother, inconsolable, refused to eat. The family faced a double disaster, with one son missing and the other hospitalized.
Gallage, who organised victim support, praised the assistance from the police, rescue teams, and the community. The family is slowly coming to terms with Hiran’s death, thanks to victim support. Gallage described Hiran Joseph as a "kind-hearted" young man with a calm spirit.
The community swiftly rallied, with about 50 people searching for Hiran at Karioitahi Beach at 4 am on January 3. Despite their efforts, the fishermen suggested searching near Hamilton Gaps. The police and rescue teams provided crucial guidance, ultimately recovering Hiran’s body.
The community has been providing food and support to the Joseph family. Gallage stressed the dangers of playing in rough waters, advising people to follow guidelines and notices. Joseph’s brother is stable and recovering at Middlemore Hospital, and a Givealittle page has been set up for family support.
Water Safety New Zealand underscores drowning as the leading cause of recreational death and the third-highest cause of accidental death in the country, with 90 preventable drownings reported in 2023.
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