A search is on for an unidentified woman who risked her own life to rescue two children from drowning at an Auckland beach. Locals at Cornwallis Beach said the woman, whose first name is Marie, needed recognition after she jumped into the Manukau Harbour to save two children when they were swept away by the current.
The near-drowning incident took place at Cornwallis Beach last Saturday. A resident said the mystery woman’s quick thinking saved the children, a boy and a girl believed to be aged nine and five from Dargaville.
“She was so brave, she just jumped in,” the resident said. “It was touch and go, she did such a great job. She could have drowned herself.” She said they didn’t know who the woman was but wanted to thank her for her heroic efforts.
Another local did manage to take photos of the incident and the unknown rescuer, she said. “We know that she’s in her early 20s, she’s French, she’s a firefighter and she’s in the country for the Auckland marathon. “We also know that her first name is Marie.”
Another resident who got a dingy out into the water and helped with the rescue said Marie was struggling to hold onto both children when she got to them. The children were pulled into the dingy but “selfless” Marie chose to swim back to shore herself, she said.
“She was so courageous, she didn’t even get any medical attention herself. We did get her a hot cup of tea and some warm blankets but she just left straight after and we don’t know who she is.” St John’s confirmed they attended the water incident on October 5 after 5.33 pm. Spokeswoman Beverly Tse said two ambulances and one manager, and Fire and Emergency New Zealand also attended.
“We treated two patients and transported them to Starship Hospital. One patient was in serious condition and one patient was in a moderate condition,” Tse said. Tse said they did not have details for the woman who rescued the children out of the water.
Auckland District Health Board said one of the kids has been released and another remained in hospital in stable condition. Another Cornwallis Beach resident said Marie was so concerned about the children she rescued, she didn’t even think about herself.
“She wanted us to get the kids into the house, worried they might get hypothermia. “Everything she did was perfectly on the mark and we just want to say thank you for her brave act – two children are alive because of her.”
Source:- Stuff
Featured Image:- Do you know her? Only known as Marie, she rescued two children from drowning at an Auckland beach. Photo / Stuff
