Police name kayaker presumed drowned

Police have named a kayaker presumed to have drowned off the Coromandel coast.

He was Maurice Bede Philips, 24, of Ngaruawahia, 19km northwest of Hamilton.

He had been fishing from a kayak with a friend when it took on water and sank off Hauturu (Clark) Island, near Whangamata, about 5pm yesterday.

His friend swam to the island and raised the alarm.

Police had completed a surface search for Mr Philips, found no trace of him and he was presumed to have drowned, Sergeant Vince Ranger of Whangamata police said.

Police divers, called in from Wellington, searched today and may continue to do so tomorrow, he said.

"We're satisfied that Mr Philips wasn't on the surface when the search took place last night and earlier today and we're now working to recover his body to allow closure for his family."

Divers were searching an area about 600 square meters, "which as far as diving goes is quite immense", Mr Ranger said.

"That's a slow and painstaking phase."

The men were not wearing life jackets, and their ability to swim was hampered by their heavy clothing and boots, Mr Ranger said earlier today.

"We're lucky we're not dealing with a double tragedy."

He urged people to familiarise themselves with boating safety advice and equip to survive in the water - most importantly to always wear a life jacket.

- NZPA