Bethells Beach. Photo: totoglenn/123RF
One of the four people rescued from the sea at Auckland's Bethells Beach on New Year's Eve has died.
Three of them were retrieved from the water shortly after 5.40pm by Surf Live Saving crews, while a fourth was located by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and rescued by a police vessel.
All were reported by emergency services to be young men.
The fourth person was airlifted to Auckland City Hospital in a critical condition, but "has sadly since died", police confirmed on Monday.
"Our thoughts are with their family and friends at this difficult time."
The death has been referred to the coroner.
Bethells Beach is located on Auckland's western coast south of Muriwai.
