Search for missing Northland diver near Herekino Harbour continues

The search for the missing Northland diver stretched into day two.

The search to locate the Northland diver missing for two days is still under way.

Around 10.30am on Monday police were alerted about a diver who was believed to have been swept out to sea near Herekino Harbour.

The Advocate understands the search teams led by the police have found a vehicle on the beach near the harbour that is believed to belong to the missing person.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand manager Lauren Williams said they were providing full support and that search and rescue squads from Far North Surf Rescue and Baylys Beach SLSC have supported the search efforts.

Earlier on Monday, a police spokesperson said they were working withCoastguard, Northland Rescue Helicopter and the Surf Living Saving services to find the missing person.

“A Northland Rescue Helicopter, two Surf Life Saving New Zealand inflatable rescue boats, a Coastguard fixed -ing aircraft, and Police are searching for the area,” the spokesperson said.

However, two rescue services had pulled out this morning.

Coastguard New Zealand senior communications adviser Ben Parsons said that due to poor weather conditions, Northland Coastguard Air Patrol was unable to join the police today.

Steve Macmillan of Northland Emergency Services Trust said the its helicopter services had discontinued the hunt for the missing diver after Labour Day.

He said the lifesaving service on the day helped search for the person at the Herekino rivermouth followed by a thorough search of the nearby coastline until 3.15pm on Monday, after which their crew returned to their base at Kensington.

Avneesh Vincent is the crime and emergency services reporter at the Advocate. He was previously at the Gisborne Herald as the arts and environment reporter and is passionate about covering stories that can make a difference. He joined NZME in July 2023.