Dive squad and drone join search for rock fisher missing in Firth of Thames

The dive squad has been called in to search for a fisherman missing in the water near the Waikawau boat ramp, 24km north of Thames.

Police were called to the scene off Thames Coast Rd at 9.45am yesterday after a rock fisher was reported to be in difficulty in the water.

One person had made it safely to shore and raised the alarm that a second person was still in the water.

Coastguard NZ has been searching for a missing rock fisherman in the water at Waikawau on the Firth of Thames. Photo / Supplied

The second person has not been found at this stage. The search is ongoing.

A police spokesperson said a drone has also been called to help with the search today, along with the dive squad.

One person was able to make it to shore safely, but the search for their fellow fisherman is ongoing. Photo / Supplied

Coastguard New Zealand said volunteers from Howick Coastguard supported the Police Eagle helicopter and public vessels involved in locating the missing person.

This morning, Coastguard directed all questions to police.