Rescue operation after man disappears in Manawatū River overnight

A search has begun for a man who disappeared under the water of the Manawatū River last night as police tried to call him back to dry land.

About 11.20pm yesterday, police were called with a report that various personal items appeared to have been abandoned in a suspicious manner on Albert St, Palmerston North.

“Police responded and found the items which led them down to the Manawatū River, where a man could be seen in the water,” said Palmerston North Area Prevention Manager Inspector Phil Ward.

Manawatu River. Photo / 123RF

“Officers made voice appeals to the man, in an attempt to get him to come back to land, however he disappeared under the water.”

Due to the rough terrain of the river and limited visibility, emergency services were stood down about 1.30am.

The search restarted at first light today with Police Search and Rescue, Land Search and Rescue, and Palmerston North Swiftwater Rescue.

A LandSAR boat and drones are being used to search the Manawatū River.

Locals can expect to see an increased police and emergency services presence in the Albert St area while the search is ongoing.

Sammy Carter is a journalist for the New Zealand Herald covering news in the Wellington region. She has previously worked at the Rotorua Daily Post.