Napier Beach Death: Body of Child Found at Westshore Beach
- A body was discovered at Westshore Beach in Napier, New Zealand, early this morning, Friday, February 6, 2026.
- The search involved police, the Coastguard, and Surf Lifesaving personnel.
- “A formal identification process is underway, and the death will be referred to the Coroner,” a police statement read.
Body Found at Napier Beach, Investigation Underway
A body was discovered at Westshore Beach in Napier, New Zealand, early this morning, . Police initiated a search operation after receiving reports of a body in the water off The Esplanade, Westshore, at approximately 8:25 PM on .
The search involved police, the Coastguard, and Surf Lifesaving personnel. The body was recovered just before 1:30 AM , and is understood to be that of a young child, according to reports.
“A formal identification process is underway, and the death will be referred to the Coroner,” a police statement read.
Coastguard Hawke’s Bay skipper Henry van Tuel said around 20 people participated in the search, conducting both shoreline sweeps and boat-based searches between the inner harbour channel and the northern end of The Esplanade. Van Tuel stated that the body was located on “the waterline.” He also indicated that initial assessments suggest the individual entered the water from the shore, rather than from a vessel.
The circumstances surrounding the child’s entry into the water remain unclear. Van Tuel expressed his sorrow, describing the situation as heartbreaking and conveying sympathy for the family involved.
Authorities have not released further details at this time, pending the completion of the formal identification process and the Coroner’s investigation.