Indian engineering student drowns in New Zealand lake; parents seek emergency repatriation

A 21-year-old Indian-origin engineering student has died after being rescued unconscious from Lake Taupo in New Zealand while traveling with friends over the Easter holidays, family friends said.Emergency services were called to Whakamoenga Point in Acacia Bay after the young man was pulled from the water at around 3.20pm on Sunday, April 5. Police confirmed that despite the efforts of emergency personnel, he died at the scene.A police spokesman said: “An unconscious person was rescued from the water in Lake Taupo and later died. At about 3.20pm, a person was rescued from the water and police were called to Fakamounga Point in Sheaby Bay.” They added: “Sadly, despite best efforts, the individual died at the scene.”The death was referred to the coroner as part of standard procedure.Family friends told The Weekend India that the student, named Shaurya, was from Mumbai and had traveled to Taupo with friends for the Easter holiday. His family are said to be devastated by his death and are seeking assistance to speed up the repatriation process.According to people close to the family, Shaurya entered the lake during an outing and started struggling in the water. After he was rescued, friends were unable to revive him.Shaurya is an Engineering student at the University of Auckland. Those who knew him described him as passionate about his studies and his time in New Zealand.