Emergency services, including the Coastguard are searching for a missing swimmer at Karioatahi Beach. Photo: Supplied / Surf Life Saving New Zealand
Helicopters, the Coastguard and surf lifesavers are searching for a person missing in the water at Karioitahi Beach in Auckland.
A person was reported missing after three people swimming together at the beach on Tuesday evening got into difficulties, police said.
Two were able to get back to shore, but there had been no sign of the third.
The police Eagle Helicopter, Westpac Rescue Helicopter, Coastguard and Surf Life Saving Kariaotahi were searching the area.
The local Surf Life Saving club said rescuers had been searching in tough conditions.
The head of search and rescue at Surf Life Saving Karioitahi, Guy Hornblow, said crews searched in the water and on nearby land.
He said two all-terrain vehicles, three inflatable rescue boats, and one jetski were used in the search, but conditions were challenging because of the fading light and rough surf.
The Surf Life Saving club would continue to assist the police search for as long as necessary, Hornblow said.
A rāhui is in place on the beach and the public is advised there is to be no swimming or fishing.