Search continues for Hamilton fisherman missing off Raglan coastal rocks

The search will today continue for a Hamilton man believed to have been swept off rocks while fishing near Papanui Pt, Raglan, yesterday. Photo/File

Waikato search and rescue staff face fierce conditions as they continue their search for a Hamilton fisherman swept off rocks near Raglan yesterday.

Sergeant Vince Ranger said the search for the man will resume about 9am today but said the weather forecast was for "rain, wind and swells, all combined".

"It's going to be a bit gnarly out there for the searchers, but that's what we do."

Searchers scoured the western Waikato shoreline yesterday while a helicopter mounted an aerial survey.

The man was fishing near Papanui Pt when he was swamped by a large wave.

Ranger said they would continually monitor the conditions as they carried out their search today.

Yesterday, a coastguard vessel and two jetskis were in the water while the Auckland-based Westpac Rescue Helicopter was in the air looking for the lost fisherman.

A police spokeswoman said eyewitnesses reported a fisherman was seen on land before he was washed into the water.

Anyone who was in the area at the time, saw the fisherman or has any information that might help, is asked to call Sergeant Vince Ranger at the Hamilton Central Police Station on (07) 858 6200.