Major search at Whatipū Beach, West Auckland, for missing diver

A search is under way for a diver who went missing from a West Auckland beach early this morning.

A police spokesperson said they were called to Whatipū Beach at 5.23am.

“The police Eagle helicopter has deployed to assist with aerial-based searches, alongside police launch Deaodar, Search and Rescue and Coastguard New Zealand.”

They said no further information was available at this stage.

Diving expert and Auckland University Professor Simon Mitchell said that the area is notorious for large swells and is “very rarely calm”.

He said it is not a typical place to dive, given that the visibility is not very good, there are many dangerous rocky areas and it has a strong outgoing tide as it sits right next to the entrance to Manukau Harbour.

“It is a very challenging environment in general,” Mitchell said.