Fisherman dies after being swept to sea

A fisherman has died after he and two mates were swept into the sea at Taiharuru, Whangarei Heads today.

The three men were fishing at The Gap when they were washed into the sea about 1pm, police said.

One of the fishermen managed to get back on shore before emergency services arrived.

Northland Emergency Services Trust helicopter rescued one of two fishermen still in the water but the other was found dead shortly after, police said.

The man's next of kin were still to be advised, police said.

The death would be referred to the coroner.