Grandfather drowns saving children from rip

Published: 8:44PM Tuesday December 29, 2009 Source: NZPA

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A 55-year-old man drowned at 90 Mile Beach in the Far North while saving his two grandchildren from a rip on Tuesday afternoon.

Jackie Maynard Wiki of Te Kao, 46km south west of Cape Reinga, was gathering seafood when he saw one of the children being carried out by the rip at about 1.30pm.

Wiki was under the water holding his grandson up until another person on the beach rescued the child, police say.

Another person swam out and carried Wiki's granddaughter to safety.

A third person attempted to help Wiki to shore but the rip was too strong.

Wiki was carried out by the current and later found dead near the shore, police say.

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