2 men who died at Ripirō Beach, Northland after being caught in rip named by police

The men were found unresponsive in the water at Ripirō Beach, pictured.

Two cousins have been named as the men who died after reportedly being caught in a rip at a Northland beach.

Johnathan Brian Webster, 54, of Dargaville, and Joseph Wiremu Webster, 43, of Tauranga, were pulled unresponsive from the water at Ripirō Beach on Kaipara’s west coast on the evening of January 3.

The two men were seen struggling in the surf between Mahuta Gap and Glinks Gully.

Police alerted Baylys Beach surf lifeguards, who had finished patrolling for the day, saying the two men were caught in a rip 300m north of the access way at Glinks Gully.

Three surf lifeguards from the paid lifeguard service responded by towing an inflatable rescue boat (IRB) to the beach.

The Baylys Beach Search and Rescue squad also responded, rushing to the scene with a rescue jetski in tow.

The lifeguards were first to arrive. They launched the IRB into the surf to try to rescue the men.

A Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) spokesperson said they found the pair in the water, unresponsive.

“They returned them to the beach to commence CPR. Unfortunately, resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful.”

Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Hato Hone St John and the Northern Rescue Helicopter also responded.

Joseph Webster was described online as a “beloved father, brother, cousin, and dear friend”.

Family members have not responded to the Northern Advocate’s request for comment.

Police said inquiries into the matter were ongoing and the men’s deaths had been referred to the coroner.