Multi-agency search to resume for missing 83-year old Whangārei swimmer

The search for an 83-year-old missing swimmer in Whangārei Harbour will resume on Wednesday following a multi-agency effort on Tuesday.

The search for an 83-year-old missing swimmer in Whangārei Harbour will resume on Wednesday after a multi-agency hunt.

Coastguard, police and Surf Life Saving New Zealand began a water and shoreline search for the man missing in Onerahi, a police spokesman said.

“The search for the missing man will resume again tomorrow at first light, and LandSar Far North will be joining the search effort then as well.”

The man has not been seen since Saturday and was reported missing on Monday evening.

“The man typically goes for a daily swim in the Whangārei Harbour and wears a wetsuit and pink swim cap.”

Police, LandSar Northland, squads from Waipu Cove Surf Life Saving Club, Whangārei Heads Volunteer Surf Life Saving Patrol, and volunteers from Northland Coastguard Air Patrol and Coastguard Whangārei were involved in today’s search.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) was tasked by police to join the ongoing search for the swimmer who has been missing for more than 48 hours, a spokesperson said.

“SLSNZ’s thoughts are with the missing person’s friends and whānau during this difficult time.”

Any information that may help with the search can be updated online or by calling 105 using reference number 241021/1742.

Brodie Stone is an education and general news reporter at the Advocate. Brodie has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.