Desperate Search Underway for Swimmer Who Vanished During Ōhope Police Chase

“The police are employing all available resources to assist with the search and are also striving to support the family of the man,” stated Inspector Nicky Cooney, Area Commander of Eastern Bay of Plenty, today.

The Police National Dive Squad arrived in Ōhope yesterday to participate in the search and have been deployed once again today.

LandSAR volunteers have been carrying out shoreline searches, with the police also conducting aerial searches using helicopters.

“The police express their sincere appreciation to all participants, including the broader Ōhope and Whakatāne communities, for the assistance rendered to the search efforts thus far,” remarked Cooney.

A rāhui continues to be enforced on Ohiwa Harbour, which encompasses Port Ōhope wharf, until further notice, prohibiting holidaymakers from swimming or engaging in water sports within the vicinity.

Cooney previously stated, “Officers interacted with him and sought to persuade him to come out of the water, but he declined, moving away from them.

“When the man began swimming further away and against the outgoing tide, members of the public in proximity obtained paddleboards, kayaks, and a boat to assist, yet the man was not found.”