Sea search for missing sailor stood down

The sea search for a missing Chinese sailor lost overboard south of the Wellington Harbour entrance has been stood down, a police spokesman said tonight.

A land search for the man has begun, and will continue throughout the night.

Police central communications spokesman Inspector Mike Coleman said two police boats, two helicopters and the coastguard had searched for the man since he was reported overboard just after 4pm.

"We've stood down the vessels and air support, and they've commenced a shoreline search," Mr Coleman said.

Mr Coleman described the conditions as "pretty rough", with four metre swells. No details were available as to how the man fell overboard.

Wellington regional harbourmaster Mike Pryce said the man was on the outward-bound tanker Formosa 13 bound for Timaru, and was swept overboard as strong southerlies pounded Wellington.

Mr Pryce said that chances of finding the man alive weren't good.

"There's a southerly, it's cold, he had no life-jacket... It's not looking good," he said.

- NZPA