Two men have died after being swept out to sea in a rip at Ripirō Beach, west of Dargaville, last night.
Police were called around 6.50pm to reports of two men struggling in the water between Mahuta Gap and Glinks Gully. The incident occurred about 17km south of the Baylys Beach patrolled area.
Surf Life Saving NZ (SLSNZ) said three paid lifeguards from Baylys Beach Surf Life Saving Club responded in a ute towing an inflatable rescue boat (IRB), supported by the Baylys Beach Search and Rescue Squad with a jet ski.
The lifeguards located the men in the water and brought them to shore, where CPR was immediately started. Despite efforts to save them, both men died at the scene.
“Sadly both men died at the scene. Our thoughts are with their family and friends during this difficult time,” police said in a statement. The deaths have been referred to the coroner.
Local iwi have placed a rāhui on the area until 7pm on January 5.
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