Search under way for person off Whakaari/White Island

The person went overboard near Whakaari/White Island. Photo / GNS Science

Rescuers are scouring the coast of Whakaari/White Island after a man went overboard from a vessel early this morning.

Maritime NZ’s Rescue Coordination Centre was notified at 3am, but it is believed the man went overboard sometime between midnight and just before authorities were notified.

“The person was last seen at about midnight,” Maritime NZ said.

Police said the missing person was one of four on the vessel.

Two Coastguard vessels and several search and rescue helicopters, as well as the police Eagle helicopter, have been involved.

Drift modelling calculations have developed a search area of about 300 square nautical miles, Maritime NZ said.

Work is being undertaken this morning on further drift modelling to refine the search area.

Police said the man went missing about 10 nautical miles east of White Island/Whakaari.

The Waikato Westpac rescue helicopter was seen zig-zagging the area early this morning.