Boy swims for life after boat catches fire on Lake Taupō

Wednesday 24 December 2025 · 3 outlets · 2 reports · updated Wed 24 Dec 2025, 2:02pm

In this story RNZ

A 14-year-old boy without a lifejacket spent an hour swimming away from his burning boat on Lake Taupō on Sunday evening. Police reportedly delayed calls for a rescue helicopter, though the crew eventually spotted the boy a kilometre from the vessel and provided assistance.

How they headlined it

1:43pm

1. NZ HeraldWed 24 Dec 2025, 1:43pm

   Boy left swimming for life as rescue helicopter call delayed (opens in new tab)

   Also on RNZ (opens in new tab)

2. Otago Daily TimesWed 24 Dec 2025, 2:02pm

   Boy left swimming for his life as rescue delayed by police (opens in new tab)