Diver's body found in the water near Waipatiki Beach in Hawke's Bay

A diver's body has been recovered from the water in Hawke's Bay.

The man had earlier been reported missing about 1.40pm off Waipatiki Beach, north of Napier, police said.

The man's diving companions had raised the alert, saying they had lost sight of the man.

Police and Coastguard search and rescue teams hunted for the man's body before it was located by helicopter at about 2.40pm.

The man's death has been referred to the coroner.