Drowning - The Bluff - 90 Mile Beach

At approx 1.30pm today, a 55 year old man drowned at 90 Mile Beach whilst trying to save his two grandchildren who had been caught in a rip at the bluff whilst swimming. He was gathering seafood when he saw one of the children being carried out by the rip at the beach metres away from where he was.

Other persons who ran to assist in rescuing the children indicated that the deceased, one Jackie Maynard WIKI of Te Kao was under the water holding his grandson up, until one of the men was able to take him from Jackie and removed him to the shore.

The second person was able to swim and took Jackie's grand-daughter to safety.

Another person attempted to assist Jackie to reach the shore but was unable to due to the strength of the rip.

Jackie succumbed to the current in the end and was later located back near the shore.

The family of Mr Wiki have been informed of his passing.