A surfer was rescued in complete darkness off Piha Beach on Tuesday night after being swept more than a kilometre out to sea by a powerful rip.
Police were alerted around 8pm when a man reported his brother missing north of Lion Rock. The surfer had been dragged offshore by a large rip and failed to return to shore.
Senior Sergeant Garry Larsen of the Police Maritime, Air Support and Search and Rescue Unit said officers immediately launched a coordinated response, with the Maritime Unit acting as incident controllers and alerting the Police Eagle helicopter. Two inflatable rescue boats (IRBs) from Piha Surf Lifesaving Club also joined the search.
However, rapid fading light and deteriorating weather forced the IRBs back to shore to wait on standby as Eagle widened its search area south of Lion Rock and further out to sea.
Just after 9pm, in complete darkness, Eagle located the missing surfer roughly 1.5 kilometres offshore, waving for help. The helicopter illuminated him with search lights, allowing the IRB crews to launch again despite two- to three-metre swells.
“The crew quickly collected him and made it back to the beach in complete darkness,” Senior Sergeant Larsen said, praising the rescuers for their “outstanding” effort under treacherous conditions.
The surfer was showing signs of hypothermia but received prompt treatment once ashore.
Police are now urging beachgoers to prioritise safety as summer approaches. Larsen reminded surfers and swimmers to stay within their limits, be aware of hidden hazards, and never go into the water alone.
“Conditions can change quickly,” he said. “Enjoy the water, but stay alert and stay prepared so everyone gets home safely.”
Far out! Lucky!