Key Takeaways:
- A 47-year-old man was swept away in his car at the Mahurangi River, north of Auckland, while driving to work on Wednesday morning.
- 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 involving 20 people, drones, helicopters, and white water rafts was conducted on Wednesday, but the man and his car have not been located.
- The incident occurred at a river crossing on Falls Road, which can be treacherous, especially when the water is high.
- The man’s family and friends are searching for him and are being supported by the police and local community.
Introduction to the Incident
The incident occurred on Wednesday morning when a 47-year-old man was driving to work with his nephew on Falls Road, near the Mahurangi River. The road was flooded, and the car was swept away, carrying the man and his vehicle into the river. The nephew managed to grab onto a branch and escape, but the man was unable to get back onto land. The man’s wife, who wishes to remain anonymous, reported that her husband had pushed her nephew to safety, but was unable to save himself.
The Search and Rescue Efforts
The search and rescue operation began on Wednesday morning, with 20 people, including firefighters, police officers, and whitewater rafters, involved in the search. Drones and helicopters were also used to search for the man and his car. However, the water levels were too high, and the search had to be suspended on Wednesday evening. On Thursday, the police used drones to carry out aerial searches, but the man and his car have not been located. The police have acknowledged that the family must be going through a very uncertain and upsetting time while the man remains missing.
The Man’s Background and Character
The man’s wife described him as strong, wise, and experienced, having worked as a fisherman in Kiribati before moving to New Zealand in 2023. He was familiar with the water and knew how to swim, having seen big waves and been in canoes. The wife is hopeful that her husband will survive and be found, citing his strength and wisdom. The man’s family and friends have also spoken about his kind and reliable nature, saying that he is a great dad to his children and a hardworking person.
The Incident and Its Aftermath
The incident occurred at a river crossing on Falls Road, which can be treacherous, especially when the water is high. A resident of the area, Dawn Ferguson, said that the crossing could be dangerous, especially when people drive straight into the curve of the bridge. Ferguson expressed her devastation at hearing about the incident, and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown also said that he was alarmed to hear of the disappearance. The police have acknowledged the dangers of the crossing and are urging people to exercise caution when driving in flooded areas.
The Family’s Response and Support
The man’s wife and family are being supported by the police and local community as they search for him. The wife is at home supporting her four children, giving them courage to face the traumatic event. The family has also been searching for the man along the Mahurangi River, and several extended family members and friends have joined in the search. The police have assured the family that they are doing everything they can to locate the man and are in contact with them throughout the search process.
Conclusion and Ongoing Search
The search for the missing man is ongoing, with the police and local community working together to locate him. The family and friends of the man are holding out hope that he will be found alive, and the police are urging anyone with information to come forward. The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of driving in flooded areas and the importance of exercising caution when driving in treacherous conditions. As the search continues, the community is coming together to support the family and find the missing man.
