Divers join search for kayaker

Police say they are lucky they are not dealing with a double tragedy as divers will today join the search for a kayaker missing off the Coromandel coast.

The 24-year-old Cambridge man and a friend got into trouble while fishing from a kayak off Whangamata yesterday. One managed to swim to a nearby island and raise the alarm but the other has not been found despite a search involving a helicopter, plane and several boats.

The men's predicament was made more desperate because they were not wearing life jackets and had only one paddle between them, said Sergeant Vince Ranger of Whangamata police.

"Their ability to swim to safety was severely hampered by the fact they were wearing heavy clothing and boots so we're lucky we're not dealing with a double tragedy."

The Wellington-based police dive squad will arrive in the town this afternoon to assist in what has now become a body recovery operation.

Mr Ranger said it appeared when the men dropped an anchor from the stern of their kayak a rear hatch was left open and it filled with water.

"When the men realised what had happened they tried to return to shore but their kayak was swamped and sank."

One of the men managed to swim to Hauturu Island and go to the Whangamata side of the island spending about 20 minutes trying to raise the alarm with people on shore.

Initially it was thought the man was just stranded on the island but when it was discovered someone was in the water it turned into a search and rescue operation.

Mr Ranger urged people to familiarise themselves with boating safety advice and equip to survive in the water, most importantly ensuring they are always wearing life jackets.

- NZPA