Man missing after being swept away in Whanganui River

Photo / Kirsty Head

A search is continuing this morning for a man swept away while swimming in the Whanganui River.

The 34-year-old Whanganui man was with a group of canoeists paddling on the flooded river when he and another member of the group attempted to swim across it.

A search was carried out yesterday by local boats, tour boats, a DOC boat and a helicopter which
scoured an 87km stretch of the river between Whakahoro and Pipiriki.

The search resumed again this morning with four boats and a Fly My Sky helicopter scanning the river while 12 people, including police and volunteers, check the riverbanks.

Police said the river remained in flood and the water was very murky. Water levels were dropping, however.

The man was wearing only shorts when he was swept away.

Anyone using the river is asked to be extra vigilant, and trampers are urged to look for any signs of the man in case he has made it ashore.