In his report, Coroner Michael Robb considered the deaths of Raymond Bensig, Nicholas Narayan, and Yaojun Li, who drowned while fishing from rocks at Papanui Point. None of the fishermen were wearing lifejackets. Previous coronial inquiries have highlighted the need for improved signage, access to buoyancy aids, and better cell phone coverage in remote fishing locations. However, the message remains clear: "Wearing a lifejacket is the only thing that would have increased the survivability of any individual who unexpectedly ended up in the water," Robb observed. Later stating: "In New Zealand it appears rare for those fishing from rocks to consider wearing a lifejacket as part of their essential fishing equipment. That needs to change."
Water Safety New Zealand strongly supports this call. Acting Chief Executive Gavin Walker says: "Rock fishing is dangerous, and fishing at Papanui Point in particular has claimed many lives. The risks are known. Wearing a lifejacket is the single most important step that can be taken to save lives and reduce drowning statistics."
With 18 rock fishing deaths recorded at Papanui Point alone, the coroner went further, recommending urgent steps to introduce lifejacket legislation.
The coroner’s report also highlighted Water Safety NZ’s evidence regarding the misleading use of terms such as “freak wave” or “unexpectedly large wave.” Advice shared with the inquiry that this framing is unhelpful because natural variation in water movement is a constant feature of New Zealand’s coastline. “No two waves or swells are the same – each differs in height and strength," says Gavin. "When a larger swell or wave reaches the shore, this is normal and should not be described as a “freak wave.”
The report confirms - "Using language that suggests someone was simply unlucky obscures the real risk and weakens safety messaging, our coastline is dynamic and ever-changing”. A larger wave can come at any time – and rock fishers must prepare for it.
Says Gavin - “Unfortunately the coroner's report serves as a confronting reminder that fishing at Papanui Point is extremely dangerous. It is a reminder also to avoid rock fishing alone, know and ideally avoid NZ’s high-risk areas, most importantly always wear a lifejacket”.
This reminder comes at a time when New Zealand’s drowning statistics highlight a confronting truth: many drowning victims never intended to be in the water at all. Water Safety New Zealand’s 2024 Drowning Prevention Report shows:
- 7 New Zealanders drowned whilst fishing from land in 2024
- This is up on the 10-year average of 5.8 fatalities and marks the sixth consecutive year where drownings from this activity exceeded the 10-year average
- All victims were male, consistent with other kai-related activities
- Six out of seven “Fishing from Land” fatalities were rod fishing; one was whitebaiting
- None of those who lost their lives were wearing a lifejacket
- 43% of “Fishing from Land” fatalities occurred in a coastal environment
Papanui Point is on Water Safety New Zealand’s published “Drowning Blackspots” list, a high-risk location that WSNZ has made a priority to spotlight.
For more information also see our pages on lifejackets and drowning blackspots.
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