Man still missing after Ōpōtiki river incident

The Waioweka River. Photo / Mike Scott

An operation to locate a man unaccounted for following a water-related incident in Ōpōtiki continues today.

Police were called to the Waioweka River at around 5.30pm on Friday after a report a man had fallen off his boat and was swept downstream.

Emergency services carried out an initial search of the area and located the vessel nearby.

A rescue helicopter and private helicopters were also involved in the search, as well as local jet boat operators.

“Sadly, at this stage, the man remains outstanding,” Eastern Bay of Plenty Police Area Commander Inspector Nicky Cooney said today.

Police continue to search for the man in the Waioweka River, near the junction with the Waiata Stream.

“Police will be using land-based and water-based resources, alongside a police drone to carry out aerial searches,” Cooney said.

“We continue to support the man’s family at this difficult time.”