Double drowning causes calls to ban fishing for notoriously dangerous Muriwai rocks

A double drowning tragedy on one of New Zealand's most dangerous beaches has prompted some residents to ban fishing in the area [19659007] Mu Thu Pa Ukay, Auckland resident, and her husband, Kay Dah Ukay. died after falling into the sea while he was fishing in the rocks at Muriwai Beach in West Auckland on 16 July.

Their deaths left nine children, aged 7 to 29, orphans.

The couple was swept from Flat Rock, a popular fishing spot that locals have described as dangerous and unpredictable because of the large, rough waves that washed through the rocks.

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but Drowning Prevention Auckland said that people falling from the rocks of Muriwai were a usual phenomenon

MURIWAI ROCK FISHING BAN

The tragic death of two people triggered a debate on social media. Sheridan Barker, who supported the fishing ban, said she was staying away from Flat Rock because she had heard that it was dangerous. I forbid it? Barker said

"This fishing spot should be banned, so many people fall from these rocks."

Tom Byles said that because the rocks were slippery, common sense should always prevail.

He suggested installing a ramp, but he warned that it might actually encourage people to fish in the rocks. you do not stand on them and do not approach them, let alone fish them, "says Byles.

Some residents said that safety campaigns rather than a fishing ban constituted a best solution

Stoddart, a former resident of Helensville, has said that the ban on fishing in Muriwai would not prevent drowning in the area.

She grew up on the west coast and fished off the rocks of Muriwai as a teenager

"Our beloved West Coast is known for its unpredictable and wild nature." Peter Smith-West, who fished in Bethells Beach, said lifejackets should be made mandatory to prevent drowning

"NOT PRACTICAL" FISHING PROHIBITION

Local Resident and Rodney Local Council Vice President, Phelan Pirrie, stated that a fishing ban would not be practical.

"There is no staff available to be there all the time to monitor a ban, even if we can put it in place" , said Pirrie.

Signs clearly indicating the dangers of the beach and rocks were already in place, as well as a rescue ring, he said.

The Board of Trustees Auckland planned to provide an additional rescue ring and additional signs on the scene of the latest tragedy, he added.

People who did not fish slipped rocks and were seriously injured, he said.

"Visitors can walk on the rocks at low tide so as not to block access to the usual fishing grounds." Unfortunately, as long as people ignore the risks clearly reported and do not treat the area with caution , these tragedies will continue to happen. "

RISKS IN MURIWAI

According to Surf Life Saving NZ , Muriwai was one of the most dangerous beaches in the country, according to the number of rescues made by rescuers

breaking waves, sudden falls and rips. "According to Surf Life Saving NZ, more than 100 people had to be saved in average each year in Muriwai Beach.

Water Safety New Zealand reported that the last avoidable drowning was known for its dangerous and unpredictable currents. deaths in Muriwai were in 2017 – two recreational swimmers in June and December.

But Drowning Prevention spokesman Auckland Davin Bray said many people had fallen stones from Muriwai over the years.

He said that the tragedy of Ukay was the first fatality that he knew of this year, but it should not lead to a ban on fishing.

"We would be detested to see the forbidden fishing at Flat Rock," said Bray.

"There are thousands of fishing hours in places like Auckland, and most are without incident."

THE SAFETY OF ROCK FISHING

Bray said that, like all other fishing trips in New Zealand, education and awareness were important. Wearing a lifejacket was a priority, he said.

In the case of the deceased couple, neither one was wearing a lifejacket and they were wearing thick winter clothes.

"People need to understand the risks and bring appropriate safety equipment to where they are," Bray said.

Bray said that a growing number of people were fishing to put food on the table.

The Auckland Board, Surf Wilderness North and Drowning Prevention Auckland have partnered for a safety campaign on the beaches of the West Coast. .

Bray says that there has been a reduction in the number of drownings since the beginning of the campaign 12 years ago, and an increase in the number of people wearing life jackets.

"The west coast is a hilly place and that's one reason people go there and take a look at it."

"There are a lot of signs on safety and security. people need to consider these signs.

In many cases, people who were swept by rocks and were wearing a lifejacket were rescued or rescued, he said.