The theft of a plaque memorialising the drowning of three young boys which led to the establishment of a coastguard service in east Auckland has been called “very disappointing” and “disgusting” by the community.
Police said it was in the “early stages” of investigating a report of two memorial plaques stolen from Howick Beach between September 3 and 7.
“Police are working to identify those responsible and return the plaques back to their rightful place,” a spokesperson said.
Rex Goddard, 13, Richard Goddard, 11, and Richard Williams, 16, were fishing off Howick Beach when their dinghy capsized in rough seas in July 1956.
A plaque was later installed on a memorial rock at the beach to honour their memory.
Howick Coastguard president Blair Telfer said the drownings were the “catalyst” to establishing a dedicated sea rescue service in east Auckland.
“[The plaque] commemorated a tragedy but — so often from tragedies — good things happen.”
Telfer said he was “very disappointed” to find out the plaque had been taken by theft.
“How would they feel having to face up to the parents and the families of those boys who passed away to which it was a memorial?
“Could they truly look them in the eye and not feel ashamed of themselves and their actions?”
As word of the theft spread, locals swiftly took to social media to share their anger.
One described the act as “disgusting”, while another said it was a “massive middle finger to the people of Howick”.
