North Shore Police say they have recovered the body of a man who went missing while swimming in the water near Beach Haven wharf late yesterday.
Acting Area Commander Inspector Steve WOOD says the man entered the water at about 5.00pm Sunday 23 September 2007, intending to swim to a small boat moored nearby.
"The man had been in the vicinity of the wharf with a group of friends and family and it appears he decided to enter the water to converse with the dinghy owner," Inspector WOOD said.
"After being in the water only a matter of minutes the man was in difficulty. He then disappeared beneath the surface. His son swam a short distance to rescue him but was unsuccessful."
"The Police launch DEODAR and the Coastguard were called and carried out a search of the coastal waters but were not able to locate the missing man."
Police have identified the man. His name is:
STEVENS/Damon Barry
DOB 27/03/1968 - Age 39 years
Resident of Birkdale.
"Early this morning the body of Mr. STEVENS was found by relatives who were searching the local Beach Haven shoreline. A post mortem examination will be carried out. The incident has now been referred to the Coroner," Inspector WOOD said.
ENDS:
Kevin [Kev] Loughlin
District Communications Manager / Media Advisor
Waitemata Police District
12-14 Northcroft Street - Takapuna - Auckland
Phone 09 488 9758 - Extn 96308
Mobile 027 281 0271
Email - kevin.loughlin@police.govt.nz