Coromandel rescue: Person missing in water near Waikawau boat ramp

Police were called to the scene off Thames Coast Rd at 9.45am. Photo / NZME

A search is underway after a person went missing in the water near the Waikawau boat ramp.

Police were called to the scene off Thames Coast Rd at 9.45am 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.

Coastguard Howick, Auckland Coastguard Air Patrol and Fire and Emergency New Zealand are responding.

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

Volunteers from Howick Coastguard supported the Police Eagle helicopter and public vessels in the search. Photo / Supplied

Police advised the Coastguard the rock fisher was in the water at Waikawau on the Firth of Thames.

Volunteers from the Coastguard will be supporting police in further searches over the coming days.

“Our thoughts are with the individual’s family and friends at this difficult time,” a Coastguard NZ spokesperson said.

Coastguard volunteers will continue to support police in further searches in the coming days. Photo / Supplied