SunLive – Search continues for missing swimmer in Mount

Update at 8.30 am: The search for a missing swimmer near Mt Maunganui resumed at first light this morning.

The man did not return to shore just after 10 a.m. yesterday after swimming with two others in Marine Parade.

“Yesterday’s search, using police, members of the Surf Life Saving Club, the Coast Guard and a rescue helicopter, was unsuccessful,” says police officer Kurt Waugh.

“Police search and rescue personnel are being assisted today by members of the Surf Life Saving Club from Mt Maunganui, Papamoa and Omanu using inflatable rescue boats.

“Sea conditions are challenging with swells of up to a meter and a half causing visibility problems for seekers,” says Constable Waugh.

Anyone who sees something of interest that can help with the search should contact the police.

IRB lifeguards are helping with the search. Photo: Colin McGonagle

Earlier at 7:30 a.m. M. This morning the search for a swimmer who disappeared yesterday is resumed at Mount Maunganui.

Police alerted first responders to the disappearance of a swimmer along the coast of Mount Maunganui shortly after 10:30 am on Saturday.

The Mount Maunganui, Omanu, and Papamoa Surf Clubs Lifeguard Service call squads responded and police asked up to six IRBs (inflatable rescue boats), a jet ski, two ATVs and more than 30 lifeguards to record the surroundings. .

Photo: Colin McGonagle

Lifeguards left early in the evening as darkness began to fall, but they hope to return to help police at first light, if necessary.

Veteran lifeguards described conditions as very challenging, with a 1.5m swell and a strong drift south along the shoreline, with a prominent ditch near where the swimmer was last seen.

The TECT rescue helicopter was also part of the search on Saturday.

TECT rescue helicopter. Photo: Supplied

It is not known if the person was swimming with a group, but a police spokesman believes the first report of the swimmer’s disappearance came from someone they do not know.

On Saturday groups of people congregated on the beach, waiting and watching the search.

The family members were supported by the police during the search on Saturday.

It is too early to elaborate on the missing swimmer, says a police spokesman.

Photo: Colin McGonagle