Diver missing on west coast

A search has begun for a diver missing on the West Coast.

The man was reported missing about 12.30pm from Jackson's Bay, 44km southwest of Haast, Inspector Alan Weston of southern police communications said.

Helicopters and search and rescue personnel were scouring the area for the man.

They had requested back-up from Wanaka and Greymouth, Mr Weston said.

The man had been diving with a friend at Hapuka Rock when he failed to surface and the alarm was raised, Constable Noel McEwen of Greymouth police said.

- NZPA