Search for person missing after boat capsizes in Otaki River focuses on Te Horo Beach

Searchers believe if the man is to be found, it will be just south of the river mouth. Photo / Supplied

The search for a missing boatie in Otaki is based at Te Horo Beach this morning.

Two Surf Life Saving boats are combing the waves while a fixed wing plane is searching the area for any signs of the second of two men whose inflatable boat capsized in the Otaki River mouth yesterday.

The first man's body was found yesterday.

Sergeant Bill Nicholson, who is co-ordinating the search today, said there were about 18 people involved in the search, including police, landSAR, air patrol and members of the public.

The search stretches from Waikawa Beach to Paraparaumu, but the forecast has led searchers to believe if the man is to be found, it will be just south of the river mouth.

Conditions for the search are "okay". There is wind and an overcast sky, which Nicholson says is better then yesterday.

He has urged the public to keep an eye out for the man if they are on or near the water. The man is Caucasian, in his 30s, and wearing dark clothing.

Neither man was wearing a life jacket, Nicholson said.

"The outcome might have been significantly different had they been."

Nicholson said it was another water tragedy, and people needed to use good judgment.

"The river was pumping yesterday, there was a strong flow."

Searchers were holding out hope the man could still be alive, he said.