Key Takeaways:
- A 47-year-old man was swept away in his car while trying to cross the Mahurangi River north of Auckland.
- The man’s wife is holding out hope that he is still alive, citing his strength, wisdom, and experience as a fisherman.
- A search and rescue operation is underway, involving about 20 people, drones, helicopters, and white water rafts.
- The incident occurred on Falls Road, near the intersection with Woodcocks Road, at around 7:51am on Wednesday.
- The man’s wife and family are being supported by police and the community as they wait for news of his fate.
Introduction to the Incident
The wife of a man who was swept away in his car while trying to cross the Mahurangi River north of Auckland is holding out hope that her husband is still alive. The man, a 47-year-old fisherman from Kiribati, was driving to work with his nephew when their vehicle was carried away by the water. The nephew managed to escape and cling to a branch, but the man was unable to get back onto land. The incident occurred on Falls Road, near the intersection with Woodcocks Road, at around 7:51am on Wednesday.
The Search and Rescue Efforts
A search and rescue operation is underway, involving about 20 people, drones, helicopters, and white water rafts. The police and emergency services were called to the scene at around 7:51am on Wednesday, and a search and rescue operation was launched. However, the water levels were too high for a thorough search to be conducted on Thursday, and the operation was paused until the water subsides. An eagle helicopter was expected to do a flyover of the river, and police were in contact with the man’s family. The community is also coming together to support the family, with many people involved in the search and rescue efforts.
The Man’s Background and Experience
The man’s wife said that her husband is strong, wise, and experienced in the water, having been a fisherman in Kiribati. He knew how to swim, had seen big waves, and was familiar with canoes and diving. The wife is hopeful that her husband’s experience and skills will help him survive the ordeal. She said that her husband had pushed his nephew to safety, telling him to "go and find life" while he tried to find another branch to cling to. The wife’s account of her husband’s actions suggests that he was selfless and put his nephew’s safety above his own.
The Family’s Reaction and Support
The man’s wife and family are being supported by police and the community as they wait for news of his fate. The wife said that she was at home supporting her four children on Wednesday, trying to give them the courage to face the traumatic event. She and her nephew, and another family member, plan to continue searching for her husband. The community is also rallying around the family, with many people offering their support and assistance. Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown said that he was alarmed to hear of the disappearance and offered his support to the family.
The Incident and the River Crossing
The incident occurred at a river crossing on Falls Road, near the intersection with Woodcocks Road. A resident of the area, Dawn Ferguson, said that the crossing could be dangerous, especially when people try to drive straight across the curve in the bridge. Ferguson said that she was devastated to hear what happened and warned that the flow of the water could carry vehicles away. The incident highlights the importance of being cautious when driving in areas with water crossings, especially during periods of heavy rain or flooding.
Conclusion and Ongoing Search
The search and rescue operation is ongoing, and the community is holding out hope that the man will be found safe and sound. The man’s wife and family are being supported by police and the community, and many people are involved in the search and rescue efforts. The incident is a reminder of the importance of being prepared and cautious when driving in areas with water crossings, and the need for community support during times of crisis. As the search continues, the community will be waiting anxiously for news of the man’s fate, and hoping for a positive outcome.
