Surf Life Saving New Zealand acknowledges death at Whangārei Heads, Northland

On January 27, 2020, at around 12.25pm, Police received a report of a diver having failed to surface off the coast of Taiharuru, Whangārei Heads.

Volunteer Surf Lifeguards from Whangārei Heads Surf Life Saving Patrol, the Surf Life Saving Northern Rescue Water Craft and Coastguard conducted the search and the diver was found deceased about 1.20pm.

The lifeguards took him to the Coastguard vessel, which transported him back to Police waiting on shore at a local marina.

Police named the man as Whangārei local Lee Victor Tohu, 52.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand acknowledges the Surf Lifeguards, other volunteers and the emergency services who attended.

The death will be referred to the Coroner and Surf Life Saving New Zealand’s Coastal Safety team will also work with emergency services to establish the circumstances.

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For more information please contact: 
Melanie Louden
Media and Communications Manager
Surf Life Saving NZ
021 757 433
melanie.louden@surflifesaving.org.nz