Key Takeaways
- Paul Finlay, a 78‑year‑old whitebaiter, drowned after being swept into Seven Mile Creek during a high‑tide surge on 18 September 2024.
- The coroner found that his heavy, water‑logged clothing and lack of a life‑jacket greatly hampered any chance of self‑rescue.
- Witnesses reported that Finlay attempted to signal for help, but rescuers could not reach him before he disappeared beneath the waves.
- The coroner urges all whitebaiters to wear a personal flotation device, avoid fishing alone, monitor tide and swell conditions, and carry waterproof means of calling for help.
- Finlay’s extensive community involvement and dedication to family make his death a poignant reminder of the hidden dangers inherent in coastal whitebaiting.
Incident Overview
On the morning of 18 September 2024, Paul Finlay set out to whitebait at Seven Mile Creek near Rapahoe, just outside Greymouth on the West Coast of New Zealand. Conditions were forecast to improve after a period of heavy rain, with sunshine expected and a high tide of approximately 3.5 metres approaching. Finlay arrived around 10 a.m., positioned himself on a rock wall beside the river mouth, and began fishing with a bucket in hand. Within minutes, an incoming tide generated a series of large waves that surged up the creek, overtopping his waders and pulling him into the water.
Background of Paul Finlay
Finlay was a well‑known local figure in the Grey district. A trained civil engineer, he had previously served as a UNESCO Research Fellow at Kyoto University and undertaken projects in Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines, including post‑earthquake response work after the 7.2‑magnitude Bohol Island quake in 2013. He had stood for election to both the Grey District Council and the West Coast Regional Council, and was described by the coroner as a dedicated church‑goer and a longtime resident of the area. Originally from the former coal‑mining settlement of Dunollie, he was raised in Cobden and had recently separated from his wife, Anavic, and their young children, though he expressed a desire to re‑engage with his family.
Circumstances Leading to Drowning
Finlay’s brother, William, told the coroner that Paul had been whitebaiting at Seven Mile Creek for about two years, noting that the river mouth had been deepened by heavy seas during that period. Despite being wary of water surges—often advising others to retreat when conditions looked dangerous—Finlay was considered a competent swimmer. On the day of the incident, he was wearing multiple layers of clothing (between four and seven tops) to guard against chest infections, a habit he maintained even in cold, wet environments. The coroner emphasized that these garments became extremely heavy once waterlogged, severely limiting his ability to move or self‑rescue.
Witness Accounts
Shane Williams, a fellow whitebaiter nearby, recalled seeing Finlay standing in the river with his bucket perched on the rock wall as the tide began to rise. Williams observed waves surging up the creek mouth, at times breaking over Finlay’s waders. He noted that the swell was large enough to make him consider leaving the area. After looking away briefly, Williams turned back and could no longer see Finlay. He immediately called emergency services upon realizing that Finlay had been caught by the waves and sucked into the river. Williams described seeing Finlay surface near the middle of the river, yelling for help, and attempting to follow his instructions to roll onto his back before losing sight of him again, only spotting the tips of his boots intermittently.
Rescue Attempt and Recovery
Constable Luken Bisley reported that emergency responders arrived at the scene at 10:13 a.m., approximately thirteen minutes after the initial alarm. With assistance from members of the public, police recovered Finlay’s body from the middle of the river. Despite immediate CPR efforts, he could not be resuscitated. The coroner noted that the combination of Finlay’s water‑logged clothing, the force of the surf, and the lack of buoyancy aid meant that even a strong swimmer would have struggled to stay afloat long enough for rescue.
Coroner’s Findings
Coroner Mary-Anne Borrowdale concluded that Finlay’s death resulted from drowning after being swept into the creek by a tidal surge. She determined that his failure to wear a life‑jacket was a significant contributing factor; a flotation device could have kept him afloat, allowed him to signal for help more effectively, or provided the buoyancy needed to reach shore or await rescue. Borrowdale also highlighted that the heavy, layered clothing he wore exacerbated the danger, becoming a hindrance once saturated. She stressed that while Finlay was experienced and cautious, the unpredictable nature of coastal tides can overwhelm even seasoned participants.
Safety Recommendations
In her report, Borrowdale urged whitebaiters to follow the Department of Conservation’s safety guidelines: never fish alone, always wear a properly fitted life‑jacket, use a wader belt both on land and in the water, avoid slippery or wet rocks, and carry a waterproof means of calling for help such as a distress beacon or mobile phone in a dry bag. She further advised checking tide charts and swell forecasts before heading out, and being prepared to abandon the activity if conditions deteriorate rapidly.
Community Impact
Finlay’s death resonated throughout the West Coast community, where he was remembered not only for his professional accomplishments but also for his commitment to local governance and faith‑based activities. Friends and family described him as a generous man who often shared his catch with neighbours and sought to provide meals for his estranged family through his whitebaiting efforts. The tragedy has sparked renewed conversations about water safety among recreational fishers, prompting local marine safety groups to consider offering free life‑jacket loans and safety workshops at popular whitebaiting spots.
Conclusion
The loss of Paul Finlay serves as a stark reminder that even experienced and cautious individuals can fall victim to the sudden, powerful forces of coastal environments. His story underscores the critical importance of personal flotation devices, vigilant environmental awareness, and community‑based safety practices. By heeding the coroner’s recommendations and fostering a culture of preparedness, whitebaiters can help prevent similar tragedies and continue to enjoy the tradition responsibly.