Indian drowned at New Zealand beach

WELLINGTON - An Indian national drowned while board surfing Saturday at Ohope beach in the eastern Bay of Plenty.

The 22-year-old was boogie boarding, a surface water sport, with friends when he and another man, in his early 20s, got into difficulty in the surf just off the beach, TVNZ.co reported Saturday.

The name or otherb details of the Indian national were not released, as officials said his kin were yet to be informed.

Located on the northeast coast of the North Island of New Zealand, Ohope beach is a popular holiday destination during the New Zealand summer, and features several kilometres of safe swimming beaches.

Ambulance services were called in from concerned members of the public, saying two people were in trouble in the water and that one man had been facedown for some time.

Sea conditions at the time were calm but the Indian was not an able swimmer.

A marine search and rescue was initiated. However, by the time they got to the beach, the Indian had been brought ashore.

Paramedics could not revive the man.

Police are yet to learn how he got out of water and onto the sand.

The second person, meanwhile, was pulled from the water by a jet ski and is safe.