A recreational fisherman died last evening while trying to swim to Waiheke Island after the five metre runabout he and his companion were on took on water and partially sank.
The deceased, Brett Steven Barson, was a 40 year-old car painter from Pakuranga. He and his companion, who was by this time towing Mr Barson, were taken from the water onto a passing yacht at about 8.30pm. The sailors attempted to resuscitate Mr Barson but he didn’t respond.
Coastguard and Police were notified of the death and the Police Maritime Support Unit transported Mr Barson’s body to the Auckland Mortuary last night.
The missing boat was recovered by the Police launch Deodar this morning and will be kept in storage pending an investigation into the incident by the Maritime Safety Authority.
Both men were wearing life jackets and had been sitting on the hull of their upturned boat for about an hour before deciding to try and swim for shore.
ENDS
Issued by Noreen Hegarty
Auckland City Police Communications Manager
Ph 09 302 6947 or 0274-951-589
Website: www.police.govt.nz