'Washed away': Two missing divers found alive in Banks Peninsula

Two rescued divers are brought ashore by police after going missing today at Banks Peninsula. Photo / George Heard

Two divers missing this afternoon from Banks Peninsula have been found alive after getting washed away from the boat by strong currents.

A man and women, both still wearing their diving gear and oxygen tanks, were brought ashore by police at Akaroa this evening.

The man told the Herald: "We just came up behind the boat and got washed away in the current."

Two rescued divers make it back to land at Akaroa. Photo / George Heard

Asked how long they were in the water, the man said: "I don't know. Just the current mate, just a bad day."

Police were called about 2.20pm and Land Search and Rescue and other agencies were looking for the pair by sea and air around Long Bay - east of Akaroa.

In a statement, police said: "Both divers been located alive and are being transported by boat back to Akaroa."

A rescued diver gets a hug as he makes it back to land at Akaroa. Photo / George Heard

Police said it was unclear what condition the divers were in and whether they were injured.

Both divers been located alive and are being transported by boat back to Akaroa - no status given so unsure if injured or not at this stage.