Search for missing person on Wairoa River after dinghy flips

Two rescue boats on the Wairoa River on Thursday morning, searching for a missing person after a dinghy flipped on Wednesday evening. Photo / The Wairoa Star

A person is still missing after a dinghy flipped in the Wairoa River on Wednesday evening.

A police statement said two people were in the 2.5-metre aluminium dingy when it overturned in the Wairoa River.

One person was able to swim ashore and alert police at about 5.30pm but the other did not return to shore.

Police Search and Rescue, surf life saving members and two helicopters were involved in the search.

Police dive teams are also assisting in the search. The dinghy was earlier located by helicopter on mudflats on the northern side of the river, about 500m upstream from the rivermouth. Photo / The Wairoa Star

“The dinghy was located by search crews in a helicopter, upturned on mudflats on the northern side of the river and about 500m upstream from the river mouth,” the statement said.

The search has resumed along the lower reaches of the river, with assistance from the Police Dive Squad according to the police statement.

“The man’s family and those involved are being supported by Victim Support,” the statement said.