Young man rescued from Porirua Harbour

Porirua Harbour. Photo / Mark Mitchell

A 19-year-old man suffered serious spinal injuries after diving into the Porirua Harbour from a small wharf yesterday.

The young man was pulled from the water near Mana Esplanade about 2.20pm after losing consciousness for about five to 10 minutes, Ambulance Communications Centre spokesman Chris Matthews said.

Senior firefighter Joel Fraser, who helped lift the young man out of the water, told NZPA three of his friends helped bring him close to shore.

He was semi-conscious and didn't make a lot of sense when he tried to speak.

"I reckon the boys did a really good job in looking after him and he probably still alive thanks to them," he said.

The teenager was airlifted to Wellington Hospital.

- NZPA