Man who drowned at Muriwai was a 'friendly and funny' international student

Akhil Tangri, from Ludhiana city in Punjab, was found dead in the water at Maori Bay near Muriwai, West Auckland on Friday, December 1. Photo / Facebook

A 21-year-old Indian man who drowned at Maori Bay is being remembered as a "good man" who was friendly and funny.

Akhil Tangri, from Ludhiana city in Punjab, was found dead in the water at Maori Bay near Muriwai, West Auckland on Friday, December 1.

He had come to New Zealand as a student in July.

TheIndian Weekender reported that, according to Tangri's friend, he was out with friends celebrating one of their birthdays when three of them decided to go to Maori Bay for a swim.

When the boys were swimming, all three of them were swept away by a high tide. While two of them survived, Tangri could not be saved resulting in his death, the Indian Weekender reported.

Akhil Tangri had come to New Zealand as a student in July this year. Photo / Facebook

Tangri's friend Mark Fernandez said it was "so sad and shocking" to hear of his death.

"The night before he died, we really had a great time - good food and funny conversation with other friends," Fernandez said.

"He did karaoke and sang a friendship song which seemed like he was having a mini concert.

"It was so sad and shocking that on the next day I received very bad news about him. It was really unbelievable."

Fernandez said Tangri had been studying business at EDENZ Colleges and had taught him some Indian language and enticed him to try Indian food.

"He even told me to go with him and visit Punjab, India in the future.

"He also wanted to explore New Zealand and go to beautiful places, as many as he could together with his friends."

The Indian Express reported that Tangri's family were informed of his death on Saturday and his body was expected to reach Ludhiana on Thursday.

Tangri's elder brother declined to speak with the Indian Express and said, "We cannot say anything as of now. We need privacy. My parents still have not been informed about the tragedy."

Tangri had reportedly called up his family on Friday and informed them about his friend's birthday party and said he was "too excited" about it.

Police extended their condolences to his family and friends and said the death has been referred to the coroner.

The Consulate of India in Auckland and the Indian High Commission in Wellington were in touch with the police and the concerning authorities to assist family and friends.