Search for missing swimmer called off

Photo / Christine Cornege

The search has been called off for a 24-year-old swimmer who went missing north of Wellington on Saturday.

Albert Alapati and four others got caught in a rip at about 4pm, but he was the only one not to be rescued.

An extensive, land, marine and aerial search failed to find him and the search was called off today, a police spokeswoman said.

Titahi Bay surfer Jason Wilson-Haenga said Mr Alapati was torn from his arms as he tried to hold him afloat above the massive waves, TVNZ reported.

"I was hugging on to him front on, so I could see his face. When you look at someone like that when they're just about gone ... if I had been on dry land I probably could have saved him," he said.

"I'm just so sad I couldn't bring that boy back."

A rahui, which places the area off limits, was placed on the beach for up to a month by local kaumatua Taku Parae yesterday.

Mr Alapati's family, police and Surf Lifesaving were all present for the blessing.

Meanwhile, the search will continue this morning for Duane Kaka, who also went missing while swimming in the Whanganui River on Saturday.

A police dive squad from Wellington joined a search on Monday but the fast-flowing, murky water from recent downpours had not provided ideal conditions, a police spokeswoman said.
Police had grave concerns for his safety.

Boats would continue searching the area this morning.