Frantic search for lost swimmer

Police dive squad at Mosquito Point on Saturday. Photo/Bevan Conley

Emergency services were called to a popular Whanganui River swimming spot yesterday afternoon after a swimmer went missing.

Police launched a search for the 46-year-old man after they were notified of his disappearance about 2pm at Mosquito Point - a popular swimming location about 5km north of Wanganui.

"The man was intending to swim across the river to the opposite bank and jump off a nearby cliff," said Sergeant Colin Wright yesterday evening.

"Family and friends saw him swim toward the opposite bank but then lost sight of him.

"They swam across shortly after but couldn't locate him. The river at this point is approximately 50 metres across."

Coastguard Wanganui launched their rescue boat around 2.30pm and carried out a shoreline and river search. A helicopter was also used to search from the air and police patrols carried out searches of the banks on both sides of the river.

"We have grave concerns for his well-being and we are speaking with the man's family and friends," Mr Wright said.

"The search has been stood down for this evening but the police dive squad has been contacted and it is anticipated they will conduct a search of the river over the weekend."

Swimmers were visible above the little beach at Mosquito Point. It was high tide, and the current was visibly moving upriver.