Police name man who went missing while swimming

Police had released the name of a man who went missing while swimming in the Whanganui River at the weekend.

He was Duane Kaka, 34, of Wanganui.

A police dive squad from Wellington joined a search today but the fast-flowing, murky water from recent downpours had not provided ideal conditions, police said.

Searches would continue by boat over the next few days and with fine weather predicted the river conditions were expected to improve.

Ruapehu police Area Commander Inspector Steve Mastrovich said police held grave fears for Mr Kaka's safety.

All Access. All in one subscription. From $2 per week

Subscribe now

All Access Weekly

From $2 per week

Pay just

$15.75

$2

per week ongoing

Subscribe now

BEST VALUE

All Access Annual

Pay just

$449

$49

per year ongoing

Subscribe now

Learn more

30

He acknowledged the assistance given to the search so far by the Department of Conservation, search volunteers and the commercial operators of jet boats on the Whanganui River.