Police chopper saves fisherman at Piha

A fisherman was yesterday rescued by the police Eagle helicopter after being swept off the rocks and into the water at "The Gap" at south Piha.

The man, who was not wearing a life jacket, fell into the sea trying to retrieve his fishing rod he dropped while fishing off the rocks.

The police helicopter was called in to rescue the man, but rough weather conditions complicated the rescue.

Senior Constable Alistair Grant of the New Zealand Police Air Support Unit said there were strong winds and nowhere clear to land the helicopter.

"If you fall off the rocks and into the water it's like being stuck in a blender and the consequences of this can be fatal", Mr Grant said.

The pilot perched the helicopter on the side of the rock with one skid to deploy the Eagle crew member who was met by lifeguards with basic first aid gear to assist the injured man.

"As the helicopter was not able to actually land because of the rough conditions and remote location, it was only through the skill of the pilot that we were able to get to him."

Mr Grant said the man was "very grateful" to see the rescuers.

"The injured man told the pilot he thought he was going to die and thought his next breath was going to be water and it would be his last."

The injured man was transported to hospital with many cuts and abrasions from being battered by the rocks. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Mr Grant said the rescue was a real team effort.

"Over the summer period search and rescue resources are often stretched and we would like to take the opportunity to thank the other agencies involved in this rescue.

"We want to remind those whose go fishing not to under estimate the danger of fishing off rocks and to remain vigilant off the constant changing ocean conditions.

"It's important to keep yourself and your mate's safe while out fishing this summer. We want everyone to have an enjoyable holiday season all together."

New Zealand Surf Life Saving have positioned flotation devices known as 'angel rings' throughout beaches on Auckland's West Coast from KareKare to Muriwai and encourage people to use them in an emergency.

Police would like to remind people fishing off rocks over the summer to wear personal flotation devices.