Missing whitebaiter swept out to sea

A search and rescue operation is under way for a whitebaiter swept out to sea north of Franz Josef this morning.

Two other whitebaiters are receiving medical treatment after being rescued, by one jetboater and the other by a jetskier.

Police said that the trio were whitebaiting near the mouth of the Okarito River when they fell into the water and were swept downstream and out to sea.

A chopper and fleet of boats was now searching for the missing whitbaiter about 200m off the coast.

- NZPA