A fisherman who died after being swept down the Motu River has been formally identified as Benjamin Robert Tekira, aged 41 from Waimana, near Whakatane.
Mr Tekira was fishing when it appears he attempted to cross the river. His body was discovered several hours later by family members on the shore.
Currents and sea surf in the Bay of Plenty remain strong today and police urge extra caution to be taken in and around water.