Diver plucked off rocks by Westpac Rescue Helicopter

The Wellington based Westpac Rescue Helicopter has just returned from a very quick but successful rescue on Wellington's South Coast.

The helicopter was asked by Wellington police to go and assist a diver in trouble at about 3:15 this afternoon.

The rescue helicopter's pilot spotted the man clinging to a rock in Houghton Bay.

"Once we spotted the man it only took a couple of minutes to winch him up into the helicopter and get him to shore" says Dave Greenberg, crewman on the flight.

The 27 year old Upper Hutt man had been diving in Houghton Bay but was unable to make it to shore on his own. His brother, who was on the shore, called 111 and raised the alarm.

"He was very tired but very grateful" continued Greenberg. "His relief at being safely winched into the helicopter was obvious".

The man was dropped off on shore and did not require any medical attention.

The entire rescue was performed and the helicopter back at base within 12 minutes.

ENDS

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