A man who attempted to swim across the Cook Strait has reportedly died just after completing the feat of endurance.
Eddies of water from rivers in Golden and Tasman Bay reach more than 100 kilometres out into greater Cook Strait. Photo: NIWA
Nick Hobson swam across the strait, but according to the Facebook group Wellington Ocean Swimmers died shortly afterwards Friday night.
"It is with great regret and huge sadness we need to share the news that our friend Nick Hobson passed away last night following his swim across the Cook Strait," a poster wrote on the message board.
"His crew, and the rescue helicopter, made every effort to resuscitate him, but they were unsuccessful. There is very little else to say at this stage, as the shock and sadness hit us."
Photos and video shared by the group had showed Hobson swimming with dolphins on his journey.
A police media spokesman told Stuff that they responded to a report of a sudden death at Mana Friday evening.
There was no further information on the cause of death.
At least 130 people have swum the approximately 23km distance across the strait, according to a website chronicling attempts across the dangerous waterway between North and South Island.
