Key Takeaways
- A jet skier has been missing for over 24 hours off the coast of Port Waikato
- The missing person is a male who was jet skiing with two others, including a five-year-old child, near the Waikato River mouth on Christmas Day
- Emergency services, including the police Eagle helicopter and Coastguard, are searching for the missing person
- Two people, including the five-year-old child, were rescued on Thursday with the help of the police Eagle helicopter and surf lifesavers
Introduction to the Incident
The search for a missing jet skier off the coast of Port Waikato has ended for a second night, with emergency services continuing to scour the water for any sign of the missing person. The incident occurred on Christmas Day when three people, including a five-year-old child, were jet skiing near the notoriously dangerous sandbar at the Waikato River mouth. The group got into trouble, and despite the best efforts of emergency services, one person remains missing. The police Eagle helicopter crew and Coastguard are leading the search efforts, with support from surf lifesavers and other rescue teams.
Response to the Incident
Emergency services responded to reports of the incident at around 6:30pm on Thursday, with the police Eagle helicopter crew playing a crucial role in the rescue efforts. The crew helped surf lifesavers to rescue two people, including the five-year-old child, from the water. However, the third person, a male, was not found and remains missing. Surf Life Saving NZ (SLSNZ) reported that lifeguards from Sunset Beach and Kariaotahi had responded to the incident, using inflatable rescue boats and rescue water craft to search for the missing person. The Northern Rescue helicopter also assisted in the search efforts, which continued until it became too dark to continue at around 8pm on Thursday.
Search Efforts
The search for the missing jet skier resumed on Friday, with the police Eagle helicopter crew and Coastguard continuing to search the water. The search area is focused on the Waikato River mouth, where the incident occurred. The police and Coastguard are working together to locate the missing person, using a range of resources and equipment to scour the water. Despite the challenges of searching at night, the emergency services are determined to find the missing person and bring them to safety. The search efforts are a testament to the bravery and dedication of the emergency services, who are working tirelessly to locate the missing person.
Challenges and Concerns
The search for the missing jet skier is a complex and challenging operation, with many factors to consider. The Waikato River mouth is a notoriously dangerous area, with strong currents and rough seas making it difficult to search. The fact that the missing person has been in the water for over 24 hours also raises concerns about their chances of survival. The police and Coastguard are working to overcome these challenges, using their expertise and experience to locate the missing person. The search efforts are also being supported by surf lifesavers and other rescue teams, who are providing valuable assistance and resources.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The search for the missing jet skier off the coast of Port Waikato will continue, with emergency services remaining committed to finding the missing person. The police and Coastguard will continue to work together, using all available resources and equipment to locate the missing person. The incident is a reminder of the importance of safety and caution when engaging in water activities, particularly in areas known to be hazardous. The search efforts will continue until the missing person is found, and the emergency services will do everything in their power to bring them to safety. The community is also being urged to remain vigilant and report any sightings of the missing person to the authorities immediately.
