Search for missing whitebaiter resumes

The search for a whitebaiter swept out to sea off the South Island's west coast has resumed this morning.

Christchurch man John Karl Snoep, 76, entered the water to help save two fishermen near the mouth of the Okarito River, north of Franz Josef, about 9am yesterday.

They were hit by a wave and carried downstream and out to sea.

An off-duty police officer managed to rescue one of the men, while the other was rescued by a local with a small dinghy.

The Coastguard conducted a two-hour aerial search for Mr Snoep yesterday, but found no sign of him.

Land search and rescue teams from Hokitika and South Westland would today scour the shoreline.

Police praised the courageous actions of those who helped in yesterday's rescue, saying more lives could have been lost.

They warned that river mouths and surf should not be underestimated, and reminded fishermen to be vigilant, given the remoteness of many whitebaiting areas on the West Coast.

- NZPA