The efforts of a 12-year-old boy involved in the recovery of a body from the Kaipara Harbour have been recognised by police.
Paul Speedy, 12, his father Gordon and family friend Gordon Bryers were out on the Kaipara Harbour on January 21 aboard the Speedy family's boat Kass when an aluminium
boat overturned.
Two men aboard the aluminium boat had been trying to dislodge the anchor when the vessel was hit by a wave.
The men were thrown into the Kaipara Harbour, and one drowned. The sole survivor was pulled from the water about 2 hours later.
A rescue helicopter located the drowned man's body and the Speedy's boat was called in to recover it. The trio recovered the body and returned to Pouto.
Rosie Speedy, Paul's mother, said police arranged for Paul to go on a trip in the Auckland Harbour aboard the police maritime launch earlier this month.
Paul was also treated to a visit to Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World and a night flight on the police helicopter above Auckland city.
Though only 12, Paul had handled the difficult situation of the body recovery well, and the family appreciated the police recognition of this, Mrs Speedy said.
- NORTHERN ADVOCATE
