Police search for man missing after swimming away in Ōhope chase

A helicopter is combing choppy waters at Ōhope in search of a man who fled from police and swam away on Christmas Day.

Dozens of people - many of whom had converged on the small eastern Bay of Plenty town for the holidays - watched as the helicopter took off at Bob Byrne Park, opposite the port, about 11.15am.

Like much of the country, a lingering low-pressure system has brought rain and strong gusts to the town.

On Wednesday, police responded to a family harm-related incident involving a 48-year-old Whakatāne man at 6pm on Wednesday.

When officers arrived, the alleged offender ran away and jumped into the harbour.

“Police are utilising all resources available to assist with the search, and are also working to support the man’s family,” Inspector Nicky Cooney, Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander, said today.

Police during the search for a man missing in Ōhope. Photo / Alanah Eriksen

The Police National Dive Squad travelled to Ōhope yesterday to join the search, and have been deployed again today.

LandSAR volunteers have been conducting shoreline searches, and police are also undertaking helicopter searches.

“Police are extremely grateful to all involved, including the wider Ōhope and Whakatāne communities, for the support provided to the search effort to date,” said Cooney.

A rāhui remains in place on Ohiwa Harbour, including the Port Ōhope wharf, until further notice, meaning holidaymakers are unable to swim or do water sports in the area.

Ohope Beach with Ohiwa Harbour on the other side of the spit, Eastern Bay of Plenty. Photo / Supplied

Cooney earlier said, “Officers engaged with him and attempted to get him to come out of the water but he refused, continuing to walk away from them.

“When the man started swimming further away and against the outgoing tide, members of the public who were nearby sourced paddleboards, kayaks and a boat and went to assist, but the man was not located.”