Six rescued after tourist swept into dangerous Cook Islands reef passage

Monday, 27 July 2026

A tourist was among six people rescued from the sea in the Cook Islands after being swept into a dangerous reef passage, prompting police to renew warnings about swimming in the area.

Cook Islands Police were alerted about 4.10pm on Sunday after receiving a distress call reporting a man in difficulty in the Rutaki Passage.

A 33-year-old tourist was dragged into the passage by a strong current while attempting to swim across in rough conditions.

His partner, brother-in-law and a local woman entered the water to help but also became trapped by the current.

Police officer William Punua paddled to the scene by kayak to assist but encountered difficulties himself while trying to pull one of the swimmers from the water.

Up to seven local residents also joined the rescue using four kayaks.

Maritime Police dispatched the rescue vessel Te Kukupa II to the passage.

Before the boat arrived, kayakers had rescued three people, including the original swimmer. Maritime Police then recovered the remaining three from the water, including Punua and another local resident.

Police later spoke to the three tourists about the clearly signposted warnings at Rutaki Passage, which is recognised as a dangerous swimming area.

Police said the incident highlighted the dangers of entering reef passages and of attempting rescues without the proper equipment.

“Incidents of this nature not only endanger those in the water but also place rescuers at considerable risk.”

Officers are urging both visitors and residents to heed warning signs around reef passages, where strong currents can quickly overwhelm even experienced swimmers.