'We are hoping for a miracle' - Family of missing swimmer hold vigil at beach

Family and friends of Johnny Faitaua sit and wait for news from search teams.

A full-scale search is underway for a man reported missing at O'Neills Bay on Auckland's west coast.

Johnny Faitaua, 23, was swimming at the beach yesterday afternoon with his girlfriend when he was swept under the water.

Surf Life Saving volunteers, regional Surf Life Saving staff, the Police Maritime Unit and the Eagle police helicopter are searching an area of two kilometres for Mr Faitaua.

Watch: Search for missing swimmer

Northern Region Surf Life Saving manager David Butt said: "We are focusing north and around rocky areas. The water is calmer than yesterday so that helps our search.

"Once we have done the full search we will reassess conditions and go from there."

An initial search was carried out yesterday after the alarm was raised at 3.30 pm but was called off when conditions became too dangerous.

A second search was carried out at day break this morning but rescuers found no sign of Mr Faitaua.

About 30 of Mr Faitaua's family are standing vigil at O'Neills Bay waiting for further news.

Mr Faitaua's second cousin, Sidney Ene, said: "All we felt was shock when we found out. Now we are just hoping and praying that he is found alive. We are hoping for a miracle.

Quiet and humble guy: missing swimmer Johnny Faitaua

"Johnny was a quiet and humble guy who loved music and basketball. We are really devastated this has happened to him."

Mr Faitaua was studying music at Massey university and was a talented piano and keyboard player, said Mr Ene.

Mr Butt said Auckland's west coast was notoriously dangerous. "It is a reminder to people to make sure they swim between the flags at all times," he said.