Police name missing Wellington diver

Rescuers are searching from Rocky Point to Pukerua Bay and out to Mana Island (pictured). Photo / Wairarapa Times-Age

Police have named the paua diver missing in Titahi Bay in Porirua, who they believe may still be alive.

Colin Smithies, 49, of Wellington, was last heard from about 6pm yesterday when he sent a text to his wife indicating he had found a good dive spot. His wife reported him missing to police about 11pm.

An aerial and shoreline search began today at first light, involving land search and rescue volunteers, a police launch, the Mana Coastguard and two Kapiti Coastguard boats, as well as the Westpac rescue helicopter and the police dive squad.

Officer in charge Inspector Mike Wright today said the search would continue and police would reassess the situation at the end of today.

Mr Smithies was from Dunedin and had lived in Wellington for about two years, working in the finance industry. He was a father of four young children.

Mr Wright said Mr Smithies, who was wearing a wetsuit, was a confident swimmer and an experienced diver who had a "pretty good" chance of survival.

"We're reasonably confident we'll find him close to shore...We believe that he could easily be alive now if he is still in the water," he said.

However Mr Wright said people should never dive alone and always take at least one buddy.

Mr Wright said the Mr Smithies' wife and children were naturally concerned.

His backpack was found about 1km south of Titahi Bay beach, which provided search teams with a point of entry into the water. The backpack contained personal items including a cellphone and wallet.

Police had also found Mr Smithies' car, which was parked in Titahi Bay, he said.

An area from Rocky Point in the south, to Pukerua Bay in the north and out to Mana Island was being searched.

Boaties in the area were urged to be vigilant and report any information as soon as possible.

- NZPA