Valiant is how Waikato Police describe the efforts of a man who tried to rescue his friend swept away in a strong current off Raglan overnight.
Western Waikato on-call manager, Senior Sergeant Rupert Friend, said emergency services were called to Raglan Harbour about 12.30am after reports of a person being pulled from the water unconscious.
"It appears two men have gone down to Raglan Wharf about 11pm to go fishing and while casting off at the end of the pier one of the pair has fallen into the water and was swept away in a swift current.
"His friend has jumped into the water to try and save him but given the strength of the current, by the time he has gotten to his friend the man was already face down in the water and unresponsive."
Mr Friend said the friend struggled to get the 42-year-old unconscious man to shore and was able to get him on to some rocks before racing off to raise the alarm.
"Despite the best efforts of the rescuer the man died and his death has been reported to the Coroner.
"While extending our sympathies to the deceased's family we would also like to acknowledge the efforts of the man who tried to save him in what were difficult conditions."
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