"We spent time playing at the beach till 2.40pm. We saw a helicopter circling at 2pm but otherwise there was no drama. We didn't know nor hear anything, all beachgoers were out and about and seemed unaware."
A rescue chopper could be seen circling over Whatipu Beach today as rescuers searched for a fisherman washed off rocks. Photo / Supplied
On their way out from the car park about 2.30pm the family saw a police car arriving.
In December a teenager died after being swept away at Whatipu Beach.
The body of Leka Pasiaka was found more than a week later north of Piha Beach after it was spotted by the Eagle police helicopter.
