Teenager drowns at Bay of Islands

A teenager has drowned at Haruru in the Bay of Islands.

At about 3:30pm today a 19-year-old was swimming with family in the Waitangi River at Lily Pond, when he disappeared under the water.

He was found some time later by family members and ambulance staff, and attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful, police said.

His identity will not be released until next of kin have been advised.

The death is the second drowning in as many days in the North Island.

Benjamin Robert Tekira, 41, of Waimana, died yesterday (Mon) after being swept down the Motu River near Opotiki.

He had been fishing with friends when it appears he attempted to cross the rivermouth.

His body was discovered on the shore hours later, about 150 metres from where he had gone missing.

Three people drowned over the Christmas holiday period, making it the lowest Christmas toll in six years.

An average of 10 people drowned during the previous five Christmas periods.