Search Continues for Missing Man After Jet Ski Incident Near Port Waikato on Christmas Day
A desperate search is underway for a man missing after a jet ski incident near Port Waikato, New Zealand, on Christmas Day. Emergency services responded to reports of three individuals in distress in the Waikato River Mouth around 6:25 p.m. local time on December 25th, successfully rescuing a five-year-old child and another male.
Christmas Day Rescue Operation
The incident unfolded near the coastal settlement south of Auckland, prompting a large-scale response involving multiple agencies. Police units, including an Eagle helicopter, collaborated with Surf Life Saving New Zealand to locate and retrieve those in the water. According to a police spokesperson, two individuals were successfully rescued from the river.
Auckland Coastguard Air Patrol volunteers are continuing the search for the missing person today, extending the operation into its second day. Surf lifeguards from Sunset Beach Lifeguard Service and Surf Lifesaving Kariaotahi were alerted to the situation at approximately 6:30 p.m. and played a crucial role in the initial rescue efforts.
“Surf lifeguards retrieved a five-year-old child from the water, with reports of one male still outstanding,” a Surf Life Saving spokesperson confirmed. The initial search concluded at 8 p.m. without locating the missing man.
Extensive Search Efforts
Northern Rescue, operating the Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopters, dispatched crews around 6:31 p.m. to assist in the search for the two individuals. Crews located one person upon arrival, but despite an “extensive grid search,” the second individual remained missing. A spokesperson for St John Ambulance confirmed that a rapid response unit, two ambulances, and a helicopter were dispatched to the scene following notification from police.
“All units got to the scene, but they were not needed for transportation,” a St John spokesperson stated. Crews were subsequently stood down, with police assuming lead responsibility for the ongoing search operation. The swift response from all agencies underscores the commitment to ensuring public safety, even during holiday periods.
