Police name man who drowned in Kawakawa Bay

Monday, 16 December 2013 - 1:48pm

Counties Manukau

Counties Manukau Police can confirm that the man who died in a boating accident on the weekend was Samuel Benjamin, 54, of Manurewa.

Mr Benjamin and an associate got into trouble when their boat ran out of petrol approximately 70 metres from shore after a day of fishing off Kawakawa Bay.

Mr Benjamin attempted to swim back to shore. His associate followed him into the water after he saw that Mr Benjamin was in trouble.

A member of the public saw the pair from land after they had been in the water approximately 10-15 minutes. This person alerted neighbours to call emergency services before rushing into the water with another person to attempt to rescue the pair.

Unfortunately after Mr Benjamin was pulled to shore he was pronounced deceased at the scene by a paramedic. The second man was taken to hospital to be checked and has since been discharged.

Mr Benjamin was wearing a life jacket, but the second man was not.

Police would like to commend the actions of the two members of the public who came to the assistance of the men in the water, which likely saved the second man's life.

"With summer in full swing, we would like to reiterate the importance of being aware of your limits in the water and having adequate safety equipment on board your boat," says Inspector Jim Searle, Counties Manukau Police South Area Commander. "Every year, a number of lives can be saved if people are adequately prepared for the water conditions, and often simply by wearing a life jacket. There's no excuse for going out fishing or boating without enough safety equipment for everyone on board."

Appropriate equipment includes life jackets, flares and radios, depending on the type and size of the vessel. Every person on board should have a properly-fitted life jacket.

ENDS

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