Please attribute to Sgt Peter Rix, Wairarapa Police
The diver reported missing at Flat Point Beach, Wairarapa earlier this afternoon is still missing.
The man was one of a party of three divers.
“Police were notified at 12.58pm of one of the men getting into difficulty. Two of the party made it to the shore, but the third man did not.
The Westpac rescue helicopter and another chopper searched for several hours along with some local fishing vessels.
The naval vessel HMNZS Otago, provided assistance searching the offshore portions of the search area and some of her personnel came ashore to assist with the on-shore aspects.
The Wellington Police Maritime Unit’s launch, Lady Elizabeth IV, travelled part way to the scene but the weather deteriorated such that she was unable to reach the area and was forced to turn back.
There has been no sign of the man yet. Searching continued till dark and will resume early tomorrow morning.”
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre