The body of the man who was washed out to sea while swimming at the Mohikinui River mouth has been recovered.
The man was discovered about 15 metres from the shore in about 6ft of water.
West Coast Police Search and Rescue Coordinator Sergeant Sean Judd said the man was spotted from the air and the Buller Surf Rescue Club members were deployed in their inflatable rescue boat. They were able to retrieve the man’s body about 6.30pm as the tide receded.
Sergeant Judd said there was a large contingent of local residents helping with the search, including the Granity Fire Brigade.
The man’s name will not be released until next of kin have been notified.
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