Fisherman missing after falling into water near Auckland's Bethell's Beach

Emergency services were searching O'Neills Beach, near Bethells Beach (pictured) this evening. Photo / Michael Craig

Emergency services are searching for a fisherman who fell into the water at an West Coast beach this afternoon.

Police received a call for assistance from Kauwahaia Island, just off O'Neills Bay, at around 1pm.

A spokesman said one of a group of fisherman was unaccounted for.

The Police Eagle helicopter searched the area but was unable to locate the man.

Searches of the water and land are continuing this evening.