A 50-year-old man has died while diving at a secluded beach near Tolaga Bay on the East Cape.
Emergency services were alerted about 2.45pm today by friends and family who had been with the man at Puatai Beach, near Tolaga Bay. The man was apparently free diving and got into difficulties when he became caught in a rip.
He was able to be brought to shore by others in his group but was dead by the time the Gisborne rescue helicopter arrived at the scene.
The man is believed to be local. His name will not be released until all family have been notified.
There are no futher details available at this time. The death has now been referred to the coroner.
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