Around 2.30pm yesterday a member of the public alerted an off duty police officer that a dingy containing three men had overturned in the Riverton Estuary.
One man was retrieved from the water due to the quick thinking and bravery of the officer and member of the public, while the second occupant swam to safety.
The third, a 25 year old local man, has not been located.
Today approximately 60 people are actively involved in the search including Police Search and Rescue, Riverton Coastguard, LandSAR teams from Invercargill, Te Anau and Tokanui, Riverton Fire Brigade and Southern Lakes Helicopters along with a number of local vessels and family members.
Police National Dive Squad are scheduled to arrive mid-morning to assist in the search.
Weather conditions and fine.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre