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Alden Williams / Things
A fisherman has been rescued after being trapped on an island in the Waimakariri River. (file photo)
A Canterbury man faces court charges after being rescued by helicopter from a fishing trip that went wrong.
The man was flown from an island in the Waimakariri River on Sunday after rising waters cut off his only outlet, leaving him trapped.
Under Covid-19 Level 3 blocking rules, people can enjoy outdoor recreation in their local area as long as it is low risk. Fishing is allowed but not the use of motorized boats.
A police spokesman said that as a result of the incident, the man has been accused of violating health regulations and has been summoned to appear before the Christchurch District Court.
“Our message remains the same: When it comes to outdoor recreation, we need people to stay local and apply common sense,” a police statement said.
After Fire and Emergency NZ assisted in the incident, Search and Rescue had to find a way to get the man off the island and determined that a helicopter was needed. It is understood that the man had been fishing.
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He was picked up by helicopter and left on the river bank.
The trout and salmon fishing season for that part of the Waimakariri ended on April 30, although Fish and Game has requested that the season be extended in parts of North Canterbury to make up for lost time due to level 4 restrictions.
The Waimakariri River increased its flow five times between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. on Sunday due to heavy rains at its headwaters, and later in the day it fell more than three times its original flow.
