Three police officers jumped into Wellington Harbour to rescue a man struggling in the water near Queen’s Wharf on Tuesday night.
Police were alerted to the incident about 10.40pm on Tuesday, September 1, after the man jumped from Queen’s Wharf.
Responding officers grabbed life rings and found the man struggling to stay afloat.
Wellington Area Commander Inspector Dean Silvester said three officers immediately stripped down and swam to the man, placing a life preserver around him.
“The officers involved didn’t hesitate to act when they saw someone in immediate need of help,” Inspector Silvester said.
“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,” Inspector Silvester said.
“I’m extremely proud of their efforts, and also want to thank the members of the public who alerted us to this incident.”
