Police divers have joined the search for a boy swept away by a large wave at a Mount Maunganui beach. Local people held a candle-lit vigil at Shelly Beach last night.
Photo: RNZ/Natalie Mankelow
The boy was being watched by adults when he and two cousins, aged 12 and 14, were hit by a large wave at the small rocky beach by the base of the mountain just before midday yesterday. His cousins were able to cling to rocks but the boy was swept away.
Police Inspector Karl Wright-St Clair told Morning Report members of the dive squad are initially looking close to where the boy was last seen, while other searchers are out on the sea and on the beach.
Conditions had improved from yesterday's rough seas and 3-4 metre swells.