Inspector Cornell Kleussien of police northern communications said three people were washed out to sea at Karioitahi Beach near the Waikato River mouth while setting a net about 8pm yesterday.
Two were rescued, but the third man could not be found.
Mr Kleussien said the incident was "a repeat'' of a similar drowning in which three men were swept out to sea while net-fishing in the surf on Monday.
"Yesterday they located a body from that incident and at the same time got news that three more had been washed out,'' Mr Kleussien said.
Police were already on the beach at the time of yesterday's incident to search for the two brothers, Makamapuhia and `Aisea Tatafu, missing since Monday.
A third man, Hopapi Pepa, was found in the water on Monday but could not be revived.
