The quick actions of Wellington Police officers and Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews led to the safe rescue of a man who jumped off Queen’s Wharf last night.
Police were alerted to a person in the water about 10.40pm. As they responded, officers grabbed life rings and found the man struggling to stay afloat.
Realising he was at serious risk, three officers immediately stripped down and swam to the man, and put a life preserver around him, says Wellington Area Commander Inspector Dean Silvester.
“The officers involved didn’t hesitate to act when they saw someone in immediate need of help. The individual was in distress and unable to be lifted from the water, but the staff used their training to keep calm and bring him close to shore while the Police Maritime Unit responded.
“Due to the cold, other officers and fire crews jumped into the water to relieve their colleagues, and the man was safely removed from the water by 11.20pm and is now receiving care.”
Five Police staff who had been in the water were assessed by an ambulance crew and taken back to Wellington Central Police Station.
“This was a fantastic example of all three emergency services coming together and working collaboratively to rescue a person in real peril. I’m extremely proud of their efforts, and also want to thank the members of the public who alerted us to this incident,” Inspector Silvester says.
