Drowning Victim Named
Posted by Gold FM on 12/01/2012
The 30 year old man who drowned on Tuesday while fishing off rocks at Homunga Bay just north of Waihi Beach has been identified.
Michael Webster had lived at Waihi Beach on and off for several months.
He was fishing with three friends from Waihi when a freak wave swept him into the sea just before 7 pm on Tuesday.
His shocked friends had to walk to a vantage point to get cell phone coverage so that they could call for help.
Waihi Police Sergeant Dave Litton said the man was wearing heavy clothing including boots and a hoodie which would have made it difficult for him to swim.
Two young life guards, Tom O'Connell and James Lloyd launched a boat from the Waihi Beach Surf Life Saving Club when they were alerted to the situation and the man's body was found floating 200 metres off shore.They said that they checked for signs of life but there were none.
Michael Webster was brought back to Waihi Beach where a large crowd had gathered but was unable to be revived by emergency services.
Police recommend that anyone fishing from rocks wear life jackets or a floatation device, especially when there are heavy swells.
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