Key Takeaways
- Iakopo Sagote died from drowning while free‑diving, with underlying atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease contributing to his death.
- The coroner highlighted that men, especially Māori and Pasifika, often become overconfident in their water abilities as they age, raising risk.
- Sagote had never undergone a diving‑specific medical assessment, and his physician never discussed diving safety with him.
- Recommendations include seeking medical advice before any change in health, medication, upon turning 45, and at least every five years thereafter, particularly for those with cardiovascular conditions.
- A prior similar case (Gideon Te Ahuru) showed equipment failure alongside heart disease, underscoring the need for both health checks and gear maintenance.
- Water‑safety agencies urge regular health screening, realistic self‑assessment of ability, and proper equipment checks for all divers, especially older men.
Incident Overview and Victim Profile
Iakopo Sagote, also known as Jack Lemalu, was a 45‑year‑old port worker and father of three residing in Hastings. On December 22, 2025, he joined friends for a free‑diving outing at Bay View, north of Napier, intending to collect mussels. Sagote was described as a fit individual who knew how to swim but had limited experience in free diving. He left behind a whānau that mourned his sudden loss, and his online funeral notice featured a photograph of him smiling in casual attire. His death prompted a coronial investigation that examined both the circumstances of the drowning and his underlying health status.
Details of the Free‑Diving Outing
During the outing Sagote wore standard snorkeling equipment: goggles, a snorkel, flippers, and a wetsuit. Although he was not an experienced diver, he entered the water with confidence, buoyed by his friends’ presence. One companion noted that Sagote appeared slightly uneasy, possibly because he recognized his limited free‑diving skill. Shortly after submerging, he began to struggle in the water. His friends observed his distress, pulled him toward shore, and initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) once he was on land. Despite their efforts and the prompt arrival of emergency services, Sagote could not be revived.
Medical Findings and Cause of Death
Post‑mortem examination conducted by the coroner’s office determined that the immediate cause of death was drowning. However, the report also identified atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease as a significant contributing factor. Coroner Rachael Schmidt‑McCleave noted that Sagote’s doctor had never discussed diving safety with him, nor had he ever undergone a diving‑specific medical assessment. The coroner explained that immersion, cold water, elevated breathing pressure, exertion, and stress place additional demands on the cardiovascular system, which are especially hazardous for individuals with pre‑existing heart conditions.
Coroner’s Commentary on Age, Confidence, and Cultural Factors
In her findings, the coroner quoted Rob Hewitt, kaihautū Māori of Water Safety New Zealand, who observed: “[The] fact is, Māori men, Pasifika men, men of all shapes and sizes – when we get to a certain age, we can be defensive and overconfident about our ability in the water.” This statement underscored a behavioural pattern wherein older men may underestimate the physiological challenges posed by water activities, leading to risky decisions. The coroner linked this overconfidence to Sagote’s case, suggesting that his sense of capability may have outweighed his actual experience and health limitations.
Medical Advice Gaps and Recommendations for Divers
The coroner emphasized that individuals with cardiovascular disease should obtain specific medical advice whenever there are changes in health, when medications are altered, upon reaching the age of 45, and at least every five years thereafter. She argued that such proactive assessments could identify contraindications to diving before an incident occurs. In Sagote’s situation, the lack of a diving‑specific medical consultation meant that a potentially preventable risk factor remained unaddressed. The recommendation aims to bridge the gap between routine primary‑care visits and the unique physiological stresses associated with underwater activities.
Comparison with a Prior Diving Fatality
Schmidt‑McCleave’s findings echoed an earlier coronial case involving Gideon Te Ahuru, a 60‑year‑old who died while diving off Wellington in the previous year. In that incident, a police dive squad report revealed multiple equipment failures: a faulty second‑stage regulator, a cylinder past its testing date, and an exhausted air supply. Like Sagote, Te Ahuru also had underlying heart disease that contributed to his demise. The parallel cases illustrate that both health screening and diligent gear maintenance are critical components of dive safety, and that neglect in either domain can prove fatal.
Broader Water‑Safety Implications for Māori and Pasifika Communities
The coroner’s remarks resonate with broader concerns raised by Water Safety New Zealand regarding drowning statistics among Māori and Pasifika men. Cultural factors, such as communal water‑based activities and a strong affinity for the ocean, can sometimes mask the need for cautious self‑assessment. Safety advocates argue that culturally tailored messaging—delivered through marae, community groups, and trusted leaders—can improve awareness of health risks and encourage regular medical checks. By integrating traditional values with modern safety practices, communities can reduce preventable fatalities while preserving their connection to the water.
Conclusion and Continuing Call for Vigilance
Iakopo Sagote’s tragic death serves as a stark reminder that enjoyment of New Zealand’s coastal environments must be balanced with vigilance about personal health and equipment integrity. The coroner’s findings urge divers, particularly older men, to seek medical advice before any health change, medication adjustment, milestone birthday, or periodic interval, and to treat gear checks with the same seriousness as health screenings. As Water Safety New Zealand and coronial authorities continue to highlight these lessons, the hope is that increased awareness will prevent similar losses and safeguard the whānau of those who cherish the sea.