A coastal and aerial search resumed at first light today for two surfers missing in rough seas off Omaio, near Te Kaha, in the Bay of Plenty.
Senior Constable Johan van de Wouven from the Whakatane Police said sea conditions did not allow boats to join the search, 13km northwest of
Te Kaha, and 56km northeast of Opotiki.
"Our biggest problem is the monster surf out there at the moment," he told NZPA this morning.
"We've got a six to eight metre swell, so it's too dangerous to put boats out there, and there's also a lot of debris in the water, logs and other rubbish, which is hampering the search."
A plane is also conducting an aerial search.
The two surfers, Whakatane men, both aged 31, were first reported missing about 3pm yesterday.
Mr van de Wouven said a large number of volunteers had joined the search.
"All the locals are out and that's typical of the East Coast, for which police are most appreciative."
- NZPA
