Post-mortem after man dies in ocean swim 

A post-mortem will be held on the body of a man who died in Auckland's cross-harbour swimming race.

The man, believed to be in his late 50s, was pulled out of the water by rescuers after swimmers found him face down.

He had been competing in the sixth annual Sovereign Harbour Crossing.

There were 1320 registered swimmers for the 2.8 kilometre swim from Bayswater to the Viaduct.

The man is the fourth person to have died taking part in the Ocean Swim series.

Water Safety New Zealand is describing the death as a tragedy. Spokesman Matt Claridge says ocean swims are very popular fitness challenges but it is essential people do some preparation.

He says swimming in the sea is a lot different to swimming in a pool, and it's easy to lose your sense of direction in a race.

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