Double drowning sparks calls to ban fishing from notoriously dangerous Muriwai rocks

Wednesday, 18 July 2018

A double-drowning tragedy at one of New Zealand's most dangerous beaches has prompted calls by some locals to ban fishing in the area.

West Auckland residents Mu Thu Pa Ukay and her husband Kay Dah Ukay died after falling into the sea while fishing from rocks at Muriwai beach in West Auckland on July 16.

Their death left nine children, aged from 7 to 29 years, orphaned. 

The couple were swept off Flat Rock, a popular fishing spot which locals described as dangerous and unpredictable due to the large, rough waves that washed across the rocks.

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The last preventable drownings recorded at Muriwai were in 2017, but Drowning Prevention Auckland said people falling off the Muriwai rocks was a usual occurrence.

MURIWAI ROCK FISHING BAN?

The tragic death of two people has sparked debate on social media, with some people calling for a fishing ban at Muriwai's rocks.

South Head resident Sheridan Barker, who supported the fishing ban, said she stayed far away from Flat Rock because she heard it was dangerous.

'How many lives can we save if we ban it?' Barker said. 

'That fishing spot should be banned. So many people fall off those rocks.'

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

He suggested putting a hand rail up, but cautioned it could actually encourage people to fish from the rocks.

'Those rocks aren't safe at all. Don't stand on them or even go anywhere near them, let alone fishing off them,' Byles said.

Some residents said safety campaigns rather than a fishing ban was a better solution.

Emma Stoddart, a former Helensville resident, said banning fishing at Muriwai would not prevent drownings in the area. 

She grew up on the West Coast and fished off the Muriwai rocks as a teenager.

'Our beloved west coast is notorious for its wild unpredictable nature. Banning fishing won't stop stupidity, people will still drown off the rocks,' Stoddart said.

Peter Smith-West, who fished from Bethells Beach, said life jackets should be made compulsory to avoid drownings.

FISHING BAN 'NOT PRACTICAL'

Local resident and Rodney Local Board deputy chairman Phelan Pirrie said a fishing ban would not be practical. 

'There aren't staff available to be there all the time to monitor a ban, even if one could be put in place,' Pirrie said. 

Clear signs outlining the dangers of the beach and rocks were already in place, as well as a lifesaving ring, he said. 

Auckland Council was looking at providing an additional lifesaving ring and extra signs at the spot of the latest tragedy, he added. 

People who have not been fishing have slipped off the rocks and been seriously injured, he said.

'Visitors can walk onto the rocks at low tide so blocking access to the usual fishing spots from the walkway won't change accessibility. 

'Sadly, as long as people ignore the clearly sign-posted risks and not treat the area with caution these tragedies will continue to happen.'

HAZARDS AT MURIWAI

Muriwai was one the country's most dangerous beaches, based on the number of rescues carried out by lifeguards, according to Surf Life Saving NZ.

It was a 'very hazardous' beach with large breaking waves, sudden drops and rips. The southern headland where Flat Rock was located was known for its dangerous and unpredictable rip currents, Surf Life Saving NZ said.

More than 100 people required rescuing on average each year at Muriwai Beach.

Water Safety New Zealand reported the last preventable drowning fatalities at Muriwai were in 2017 – two recreational swimmers in June and December.

But Drowning Prevention Auckland spokesperson Davin Bray said numerous people had fallen off Muriwai rocks over the years. 

He said the Ukay tragedy was the first fatality he knew of this year, but it shouldn't lead to a ban on fishing.

'We would be loathed to see fishing banned from Flat Rock,' Bray said. 

'There are thousands of fishing hours put in at places like Flat Rock on an annual basis all over Auckland and most are done without incident.'

ROCK FISHING SAFETY

Bray said like every other rock fishing outing in New Zealand, education and awareness were important. Wearing a life jacket was a priority, he said. 

In the case of the couple who died, neither were wearing a life jacket and they were wearing thick winter clothing.

'People need to understand the risks and wear the appropriate safety gear for the location they are in,' Bray said. 

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

'It's the latter who take more risks as they have to fish at times or potentially not eat.'

Auckland Council, Surf Lifesaving Northern Region and Drowning Prevention Auckland had partnered for a Rock Fishing safety campaign at west coast beaches. 

Bray said there had been a reduction in drowning numbers since the campaign started 12 years ago, and an increase in people wearing life jackets. 

'The west coast is a rugged place and that's a big reason people go there and look around.

'There are plenty of signs posted around safety and people need to heed these signs or ask someone with a little more experience around what the risks are.'

In many cases, people who were swept off rocks while wearing a lifejacket were saved or saved themselves, he said.

Water Safety NZ chief executive Jonty Mills said the recent drowning tragedy was devastating, but a reminder of the unpredictability of New Zealand's waters.

Mills said they did not believe in bans and over-regulation but in educating people so wise decisions were made. 

'Rock fishing is an activity that has long been enjoyed and that can be enjoyed safely if the correct safety precautions are taken,' Mills said. 

Always follow the water safety code: Be prepared, watch out for yourself and others, be aware of the dangers and know your limits, he said.