Fisherman swept into river

A South Auckland man is missing, presumed drowned, after he was caught in the Waikato River yesterday while fishing.

Police said the man, a 28-year-old, was one of two men who were placing a fishing net 100m off the beach in the river at Port Waikato about 3.40pm.

They encountered some problems in the current and were swept out into deep water.

The second man, in his mid-20s, managed to swim back to the beach, but the South Auckland man was last seen disappearing under the water, halfway across the river mouth.

He is described as not being a strong swimmer.

Lifesaving development officer Dean Storey said lifeguards from Kariotahi Beach and Sunset Beach were on the scene within 15 minutes.

They spent two hours in boats and quad bikes looking for the man without success.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter, police helicopter Eagle and a coastguard boat also joined the search, which covered around Elders Rd and the length of the river from the road to the river mouth entrance and outside the bar at the mouth of Port Waikato.

Searching was difficult due to dark murky water, and glare.

The searchers were all stood down at 5.40pm.

Police and lifeguards will continue searching today.