Three people rescued after being caught by tide at Whiritoa blowhole

Thursday 13 November 2025 · 4 outlets · 4 reports · updated Thu 13 Nov 2025, 4:19pm

In this story Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter

Emergency crews rescued three people at the Whiritoa blowhole on the Coromandel coast on Thursday morning. Two men were initially trapped by strong surf and an incoming tide, with one suspected to have a broken leg. A third person was rescued after falling into the sea while taking photos of the incident.

How they headlined it

2:29pm4:19pm

1. StuffThu 13 Nov 2025, 2:29pm

   Three rescued after men became trapped in blowhole on Coromandel coast (opens in new tab)

2. 1NewsThu 13 Nov 2025, 3:08pm

   Rescue of pair from blowhole diverted after bystander falls in (opens in new tab)

3. RNZThu 13 Nov 2025, 3:17pm

   Coromandel rescue mission escalates after man taking photos of it was also swept off rocks (opens in new tab)

4. Otago Daily TimesThu 13 Nov 2025, 4:19pm

   Man taking photos of rescue falls into sea (opens in new tab)