Looking for a hero called Eddie

Whangarei Heads. Photo / Northern Advocate

When danger came calling, he didn't hesitate for a second.

A lone hero dived into the swirling tide to pluck a stricken woman from the jaws of death.

Now only one question remains: Who is he and where has he gone?

The man rescued an elderly woman from certain tragedy near Mair Bank, at the entrance to Whangarei Harbour, about 4.30pm on Saturday.

Mair Bank is a popular shellfish gathering area.

The Northern Advocate understands the rescuer's first name is Eddie and the woman he saved was Muriel, aged in her 70s. Efforts to track Eddie down since the rescue have proved fruitless.

Those who witnessed the water rescue said the situation could have ended in a fatality if it had not been for the brave actions of Eddie. They would like the unknown hero to come forward so he could be formally thanked by Muriel.

The accidental hero heard screams for help from another man standing on the beach who witnessed the drama unfolding.

Registered nurse Carla Boniface and her daughter, who were picking tuatua, heard the commotion just as the tide had turned to come in.

"I looked around and saw someone trying to swim and really floundering in the water ... her face was going under the water. It was such a strong current," Mrs Boniface said.

"Then to my left this guy came splashing past and swam out and grabbed her."

The man who initially raised the alarm helped Eddie pull the woman up the beach.

She was unresponsive, cold, pale and had no pulse.

Mrs Boniface said she feared the worst but her medical training kicked in and she cleared the woman's airway.

"Once her airway was open I heard some breaths."

Other people on the beach gave Muriel clothing to keep her warm.

Mrs Boniface said Muriel's son had been further out on the sand bank and was unaware his mother had been swept into the strong current.

She told Muriel's son a visit to the doctor was essential, given the close call.

"It was a team effort but that young man Eddie swam out and got her in the really strong current.

"He saved her life and if it wasn't for him it would have ended very differently," Mrs Boniface said.

Eddie is described as a tall man, with dark-coloured hair and at the time was wearing a greenstone around his neck. Muriel is said to be in her 70s with a son named Neville.

Do you know either of the people involved? Then let us know phone (09) 4702 875 or email reporters@northernadvocate.co.nz