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SUNLIVE
The swimmer was reported to have disappeared around 10.35am Saturday and the TECT rescue helicopter was called in to assist in the search.
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. .
The first responders withdrew early in the evening, as darkness was beginning to fall, but they were waiting to return to help the police with 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.
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Rain and strong north winds were expected overnight, although conditions were forecast to improve tomorrow.
The TECT rescue helicopter was also part of the search.
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.
SunLive reported that groups of people congregated on the beach, waiting and observing the search.
“They’re looking between Shark Alley and Tay St,” Jeremy Sparrow said. SunLive.
“They have been searching a wider area, with the helicopter flying up and down quite low.
TONY SOUTER / SUNLIVE
A swimmer was reported missing at Marine Parade around 10.35am, prompting a search.
“There are two or three boats in the water.”
It was too early to elaborate on the missing swimmer, a police spokesman said.
The family members were supported by the police during the search.
