Fisherman swept to death in Waikato River

A 38-year-old fisherman has been found dead near the mouth of the Waikato River after being swept away by currents.

Coastguard northern region duty officer Chris Fransham said the man was putting a fishing net out near the mouth of the river at Port Waikato about 9am yesterday when he was washed away.

Sunset Beach lifesavers found his body in the area about 5pm, Mr Fransham said.

He said the 38-year-old was the second person to die in the area in similar circumstances in the past two weeks.

- NZPA