Korean angler fifth foreigner to die at Piha

A Korean man became the fifth foreign national to die in Piha's treacherous surf this summer when he was swept to his death while fishing on Saturday.

Ho Joon Lee, aged 36, was knocked over by a wave while fishing on Flat Rock at the southern end of the beach around noon.

Before he could get up, a second wave sent him tumbling into the water. Lifeguards who were training in the area searched for him, but could find only a backpack.

About 20 minutes later a rescue helicopter spotted Mr Lee's body on the beach.

It is understood Mr Lee had hooked a fish and was trying to haul it in when he was swept into the sea.

The drowning happened just a day after the body of Tongan-born student Tonga Otutaha - who had been missing for a week after entering a 4.5m surf last Sunday - was found washed up near Muriwai.

The surf-lifesaving season got off to a tragic start last Labour Weekend when two South African fathers drowned.

Peter Mavakla and Michael Valcarcel died while trying to rescue their daughters, who had got into difficulty while bodyboarding at the northern end of Piha.

That same weekend Ukrainian immigrant Yakiv Koblay drowned while fishing in the same spot as Mr Lee.

His daughter, Larisa Hewett, told the Herald at the time that big signs highlighting the number of drownings should be erected on the rocks and information on dangerous surf beaches given to all new immigrants.

Piha lifeguards backed that call yesterday, saying it was important that people of all nationalities were made aware of the risks.

Spokesman Larry Rountree said he was extremely concerned about the number of foreigners who had died either while fishing or swimming at the beach in recent years.

He said he did not know how to get the message through, but signs might help.

Danger signs were erected at the northern end of the beach after the October drownings, and signs are due to go up at the south end of the beach in the next few days.

In another drowning at the weekend, the body of a 50-year-old man was pulled from the water next to Princes Wharf, downtown Auckland, early on Saturday.

Navy staff spotted the man's body near the Leftfield bar, pulled him out and tried unsuccessfully to resuscitate him. His name is not yet available.