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A body has been found during the search for a man who went missing, while jet skiing at Port Waikato on Christmas Day.
Police say the man disappeared after three people got into trouble near the sandbar at the Waikato River mouth at about 6.30pm on Thursday.
Emergency services were alerted, with Police units, including the Eagle helicopter, assisting Surf Life Saving New Zealand in the initial response.
Two people, including a five-year-old child, were rescued from the water. However, one man could not be located.
The search resumed this morning, with the Police Eagle helicopter locating a body at Port Waikato.
“The Eagle helicopter has located a body at Port Waikato, which is believed to be the man who went missing while jet skiing on Christmas Day,” police said in a statement.
“The death will be referred to the Coroner. Police say their deepest thoughts and sympathies are with the man’s family at this extremely difficult time.”
A rāhui has been placed over Port Waikato and surrounding areas until 8pm today by the people of Te Pūaha o Waikato.
Coastguard assists search
In a statement, Waiuku Coastguard said Police alerted emergency services at around 6.25pm on Christmas Day to a jetski incident involving three people near the Port Waikato bar.
Waiuku Coastguard launched NZ Steel Rescue from Hoods Landing with five volunteers on board and searched along the Waikato River. Weather and sea conditions prevented any search beyond the Port Waikato bar.
This morning, volunteers from Auckland Coastguard Air Patrol joined the renewed search.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the missing individual,” the Coastguard said. “We will continue to support Police over the coming days.”
Police also extended their sympathies to the man’s family, acknowledging the tragic outcome during what is traditionally a time of celebration.
Emergency services and volunteer crews were thanked for their response and commitment over the Christmas period.
