January 13, 2020
A man is in a serious condition in hospital after a diving accident at Rabbit Island, in Auckland's Hauraki Gulf.
Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter flew to the tiny island on Sunday afternoon to help the man, aged in his 50s, who had been diving for scallops.
An Intensive Care Paramedic had to be winched onto a boat to assist the man, Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust spokesman Lincoln Davies said.
"Coastguard then transferred the medic and patient to Kawau Island to awaiting Westpac 1 helicopter crew."
Coastguard Northern Region duty manager Nico Doodeman, said the man had been diving from a boat with his wife.
"We transferred the man and the medic to Kawau Island as it was easier for the rescue helicopter to land there," Doodeman said.
"His wife and dog were still on the vessel, and obviously quite distressed, so two of our volunteers stayed behind and drove their boat back to Gulf Harbour," he said.
The man was flown to Auckland City Hospital in a serious condition.
Rabbit Island is a small privately owned island in the Hauraki Gulf.
