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Searchers are looking for Lianpeng Liang, 43, who fell into the water in O’Neills Bay last week. His body was found on Muriwai Beach, north of O’Neills Bay, on Sunday. Photo / SLNZ
A body found on Muriwai Beach on Sunday has been confirmed as that of a missing Auckland fisherman.
Police confirmed today that the body was that of Lianpeng Liang, 43, from Mount Roskill.
Liang disappeared after falling into the water while fishing near Kauwahaia Island on October 5.
A search for Liang immediately began, with seekers scouring the land and water, and with the police eagle helicopter called in to help search from the sky.
Bethells Beach Surf Lifesaving patrols also helped, prompting club captain Leonard Mead to remind all rock fishermen to wear life jackets.
“Life jackets save lives, it’s as simple as that. You never know when a strange wave will come and potentially wash you out to sea.”
Mead said the lack of cell phone reception in the Bethells area was a major barrier to asking for help.
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“If you see someone in trouble, you should always try to call 111 and ask the police to send lifeguards.
“However, if you can’t get reception, there is an emergency phone in the Bethells parking lot next to the public restrooms that goes directly to Surf Life Saving Northern Region’s rescue communications center, SurfCom.”
The number of water rescue calls was also a concern for Surf Life Saving Northern Region CEO Matt Williams, saying there had been around 30 calls since May 1 of this year.
By comparison, there were 31 calls in the Northern Region throughout the past year, including the summer.
