Man dies while snorkelling offWairarapa Coast

The body of a man who died after he went snorkelling off the coast of Riversdale Beach in Wairarapa has been recovered by police. Police with the assistance of police search and rescue, Surf Life Saving, Wairarapa helicopters and Westpac Rescue Helicopter searched the area for the diver who was reported missing on Thursday night. In a statement, police extended their condolences to the man’s family and friends and offered their thanks to those in the community who had helped with the search. The Post understands the man, a Masterton local, was with a group of divers. The last water-related fatality in Wairarapa occurred off the coast of Cape Palliser in South Wairarapa in 2021. Sea conditions on Thursday were reportedly good though visibility was poor. Riversdale Surf Life Saving Club chair Dave Rose said it was a “tragic occurrence”, with the start of the summer season and return of patrols this weekend now “tinged by tragedy”. Three lifeguards from the club and a local boat had been involved in the search on Thursday before it was called off due to worsening conditions. The search resumed at first light yesterday, with the man's body later recovered off the coast, just north of Riversdale Beach. Rose said a rāhui had been put in place from the Motuwairaka stream to the Whareama River Mouth for the next five days. The man’s death will be referred to the coroner.