Family in shock after Emily Branje, 9, swept away at Hokitika

Emily Branje, 9, of Christchurch was swept away yesterday when whitebaiting with her grandfather. Photo / Supplied

The family of Emily Branje, 9, are in shock after she was swept away while whitebaiting at the Hokitika River mouth.

Police have been searching for the 9-year-old after the incident yesterday.

The little girl's family spoke of their heartbreak in a statement released by police today.

Emily was whitebaiting on the West Coast with an elderly man yesterday when she was swept away.

The family statement said Emily was an only child who was spending time with relatives on the West Coast.

"We are in shock and grief after receiving the news yesterday about our precious only child, Emily.

"Emily had been spending holidays with extended family in Hokitika. This is a tragic incomprehensible time for us...''

Police said they were "continuing to support the girl's family at this difficult time".

Overnight, a search of the river mouth was conducted at low tide.

Emily was swept away while whitebaiting at the Hokitika River mouth yesterday morning.

Today a shoreline search resumed and a helicopter was deployed to access more remote areas.

Difficult sea conditions affected a water-based search.

Police were first called to the area around 9.45am yesterday after it was reported two people were needing assistance.

An elderly man was pulled from the water and treated for shock.

Coastguard, Land Search and Rescue, Maritime New Zealand, a rescue helicopter and a police search and rescue team were then involved in the search.