Surfer saved after writing 'HELP' in sand

Published: Feb. 17, 2021, 7:39 p.m.

A surfer with serious injuries has been saved in a remarkable rescue. The man who was surfing alone was swept onto rocks at Mercer Bay on Auckland's west coast. He managed to write "HELP" on the sand before collapsing. Miraculously - a member of the public on a nearby walking track saw him finishing his message, and raised the alarm. His rescuer, surf lifeguard Blake Porteous spoke to Corin Dann.