Man pulled from the water at Whangamatā Boat Ramp

Wednesday, 1 January 2020

A man has died from a suspected drowning near the Whangmatā boat ramp.

Police and emergency services were seen leaving the beach, near the Whangamatā boat ramp, with a body around 3.30pm.

Six emergency staff could be seen taking a body away on a stretcher. 

Emergency services were initially called to the scene at the Whangamatā Harbour, off Beach Road, at 3.07pm.

Police said the man was 70-75 years old.

Whangamatā deputy fire chief Jim Barker said the person was on the beach when the fire service arrived, having been pulled out of the water by a member of the public.

Emergency services gave CPR for 10 minutes before the person was declared dead, he said.

Two fire trucks and a ute attended the scene, he said.

He said police were working to notify next of kin.

The death is expected to be referred to the coroner.