Shortly before 4pm this afternoon (Thursday, 7 March) police received reports that a teenage boy had jumped from a cliff into the Waikato River and failed to resurface.
The stretch of river at the boat harbour by Unison Park is a popular location for swimmers but can have a strong current.
A search and rescue operation was initiated involving all available police personnel, the Taupo Harbourmaster and the Taupo Rescue Helicopter and approximately half an hour later the body of the boy was located.
The Police National Dive Squad will be required to safely recover the boy. They have been notified and are heading to Taupo from Wellington. Local Iwi have been notified and are attending the scene.
Police are liaising with the boy's family. No further details about him or the circumstances that led to this tragedy are available at this time.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.