Mr Nathan was described by a friend who wished not to be named as a "nice, caring guy". Mr Cooper had failed to resurface after setting out for a dive at about 10.30am on Sunday morning. Witnesses said Mr Nathan appeared to have let go of Mr Cooper's body before he climbed on to a rock to catch his breath, but was washed-off and disappeared. Mr Nathan, 44, died during his attempt to retrieve 45-year-old Whakatu man Raymond Cooper's body. Hastings store Dive East owner Chris O'Connor said he and his wife had known Mr Cooper for years.

Source: New Zealand Herald June 20, 2016 21:33 UTC