Missing man found cold but OK on shore of South Auckland beach

A 42 year-old Pukekohe man has been found safe and well just south of Sunset Beach this morning after being reported missing yesterday.

Sergeant Steve Williamson of Pukekohe Police says "We understand the man was a member of a group that travelled to Sunset Beach yesterday morning to find seafood."

"He has told us that he left the rest of his group on foot and headed southward in search of kina and lost track of time."

"He realised he wasn't going to be able to retrace his steps in the dark so climbed up a hill and found shelter overnight."

"Search and Rescue teams attempted to locate him yesterday evening but were unsuccessful."

"However, the man returned to the beach at first light this morning and was spotted by the Police Eagle helicopter on the shore at about 8:45am."

"Obviously he wasn't dressed for an overnight stay in the outdoors so he was very cold. The crew onboard the Eagle helicopter wrapped him up in blankets and he received medical attention from waiting ambulance officers upon landing in Pukekohe."

"He is not hyperthermic but as a precaution has been transported to a nearby medical centre for a thorough check."

"He is very lucky to have come through the ordeal as well as he has. Seaside conditions can be unforgiving and upredictable, and this, coupled with the cold at this time of year, can mean things can go tragically wrong very quickly. We urge people to stay mindful of this and make sure they are well prepared and stick together, particularly when heading to remote locations."

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