Search at Mount Maunganui after wave ski found

Lifeguards talk with police at Mount Maunganui main beach as they search for a missing kayaker. Photo/George Novak

Police and Search and Rescue volunteers have been called to Mount Maunganui beach to look for a missing wave-skier.

Emergency services were called at 1.30pm by local lifeguards concerned at a wave ski that had washed ashore with no apparent owner.

A police northern communications spokeswoman said police plus Search and Rescue volunteers were at the beach as part of a precautionary search.

Tauranga Police seek the owner of this wave ski. Photo / Supplied

A reporter at the scene said members of the Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service could be seen in IRBs searching the water.

Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service search the water around Moturiki (Leisure) Island for a missing kayaker. Photo/George Novak

The wave ski was floating between Rabbit Island and the beach off Marine Parade.

It is yellow on top, with black and yellow stripes running lengthways on the hull and appears be in a worn condition.

The Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter helped in the search.

A spokesman said the aerial search, in conjunction with lifeguards in the water, was carried out in case the owner was in distress. No one was found.

Anyone with information or whoever owns the wave ski is asked to call Tauranga Police on 07 5774300 or information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The wave ski. Photo / Supplied