Divers back in the water to search for Lake Rotoiti boatie

SEARCH: Police divers are back in the water today. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER

UPDATE:

Police have brought in a special machine to assist them in their search for a missing 48-year-old man on Lake Rotoiti.

Rotorua constable Colin Fraser from Search and Rescue said the machine, called a sonar, meant they could search areas without the divers.

A sonar was a machine that used sound propagation to navigate, communicate with or detect objects on or under the surface of the water, he said.

"It will speed things up a bit. We are still confident we will find him. It's not a question of if he is there, it's just a matter of looking."

He said the family had been back and forth between the wharf and where they were staying.

"They plan on sticking around until he is found. The locals have been bringing down baking and cups of teas for them."

He said the rahui was still in place from the boat ramp on Otaramarae Rd out to the 400m markers in the bay.

"It will be in place until the body is found, then we will contact the iwi and they will come and it will be the families decision on how soon it gets lifted," he said.

EARLIER:

The search is back underway for the body of the 48-year-old man who drowned at Lake Rotoiti on Wednesday.

Rotorua constable Colin Fraser from Search and Rescue said they had all the experts helping out.

"We have had three more divers join us from Wellington today, making the total six."

He said the family was all back down at the wharf on Otaramarae Rd this morning as the divers left.

"We are hoping for a quick result for the family. As far as the dive squad goes, they are really optimistic and their search is going well.

"The family has been really well supported by the community here who have lent them a bach to stay in."

He said everyone involved was hoping the body would be found today.