A man has died after falling from a boat in a central Auckland marina, prompting a police investigation into the circumstances of the incident.
Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 9 a.m. on Sunday following reports that a person had entered the water near a moored vessel. Witnesses said the man appeared to lose his balance while attempting to step from the dock onto the boat. Despite immediate efforts by bystanders to help, he disappeared beneath the surface before he could be pulled to safety.
Police, paramedics, and fire crews arrived within minutes, with specialist water rescue teams joining the search. The man was eventually recovered from the water, but despite prolonged attempts to revive him, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet released his identity, but it is understood he was in his 50s and had been working on or visiting the vessel.
A police spokesperson confirmed that the death will be referred to the Coroner, as is standard procedure. “We are speaking with witnesses and reviewing CCTV footage from the marina to better understand how the incident occurred,” the spokesperson said.
The marina has issued a reminder to all visitors to exercise caution when boarding or leaving boats, particularly during wet or windy conditions. Safety advocates say incidents like this, though rare, highlight the importance of wearing life jackets when working close to the water.
The man’s death has deeply saddened the local boating community, with several marina members laying flowers near the berth in his memory. Police say their thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.
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