Tragedy as the body of an Australian tourist is found in a New Zealand lake after he tried to save a drowning boy
- Body of Australian tourist found at New Zealand lake
- Man tried to save boy from drowning on Thursday
- Search and rescue mission found his body on Friday
An Australian tourist who disappeared after trying to save a boy from drowning in a lake in New Zealand has been found dead.
The man was one of three people who had swum out to help a boy struggling in the water at Lake Wakatipu, on the South Island, on Thursday afternoon.
Two people and the child made it back to shore prompting a search and rescue mission for the missing swimmer before authorities discovered his body on Friday.
An Australian tourist who disappeared after trying to save a boy from drowning in a lake in New Zealand has been found dead
The Australian tourist had been travelling with his fiancee who has been left inconsolable with his parents and brother flying over to comfort her.
It is the second drowing in less than a week after Leroy Kaaho died while saving his 10-year-old son last Friday.
Otago Lakes Central Area Commander Paula Enoka said the body had been discovered close to the part of the lake where Mr Kisling had died.
A Queenstown Lakes District Council spokesperson described it as ‘devastating’, Stuff reported.
‘Our thoughts are first and foremost with the person’s friends and whānau, as well as the Glenorchy community who will naturally share a sense of sadness, shock and loss,’ they said.
‘There is no single authority responsible for the choice people make to enter a body of water.
‘However, the steps we are taking to ensure nothing like this happens again is a logical and practical way that council can help at this incredibly sad time.’
It is the second drowing in less than a week after Leroy Kaaho (pictured) died while saving his 10-year-old son last Friday
Locals desperate to avoid another tragedy quickly raised signs warning swimmers to beware of the lake before they were replaced by official notices by council on Friday.
Queenstown Lakes District councillor Niki Gladding said the lake was dangerous and it was frustrating how many lives were needlessly lost to it.
‘It’s hot, it’s inviting, there is shallow water, but when you get to the end of the shallow, it goes straight down,’ she said.
Ms Gladding said her heart went out to the families that had recently lost their loved ones.
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