Rescue goes tragically wrong
Stock photo: Rees River meeting Lake Wakatipu at Glenorchy / Unsplash
A Wānaka father who died while trying to save his son from strong currents at the mouth of the Rees River in Glenorchy on Friday afternoon, 13 January, has been identified as Linkin Kisling, 48.
Mr Kisling, whose name has been released by police, had entered the water where the river meets Lake Wakatipu after his 10-year-old son was swept away. The boy was rescued by a member of the public but Mr Kisling did not surface.
Emergency services were called about 3pm but a huge search effort involving boats and two helicopters couldn't find him.
The Police National Dive Squad arrived on Saturday morning and by 3pm had found his body, on the lakebed about 50 metres from the river mouth, reports Stuff.
"Our thoughts are with the man’s whānau and loved ones at this difficult time," a police spokesperson said. Officers also acknowledged members of the public who provided assistance to the man's family on Friday as the incident unfolded.
The death will be referred to the Coroner.
A rāhui is in place on an area that covers Glenorchy and the Dart River end of Lake Wakatipu until 3pm on Tuesday 17 January.
The rāhui has been placed on behalf of Rūnanga o Ōtākou and Kāi Tahu ki Tuawhenua Kāhui, and a blessing was held at the site yesterday.
