A person has died following a water-related incident at a Gisborne beach shortly before midday today. Reported by 1News.
Surf lifeguards from the Wainui Surf Life Saving Club were alerted to a person in distress near the northern end of Okitū Beach, close to Makorori Point, at around 11.40am.
Responding with an inflatable rescue boat, lifeguards were assisted by the Gisborne Search and Rescue squad. The team located the person, who had been pulled from the sea and onto nearby rocks.
Lifeguards immediately began CPR while the rescue boat returned to shore to transport ambulance staff and police to the location. Despite their efforts, the person was pronounced dead at the scene.
In a statement issued this evening, Surf Life Saving New Zealand said:
"The team at Surf Life Saving New Zealand extends its heartfelt condolences to the whānau and friends of the victim. It also commends the efforts of the surf lifeguards involved and has offered support services to them."
The incident marks the third water-related death in as many days across the country. Authorities also confirmed a fourth person remains missing following separate incidents, prompting renewed calls for caution around waterways.
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