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A search was begun today for a fisherman missing in rough conditions in Auckland's Manukau Harbour.
The man was apparently swept of rocks at Paratutae Island at the north head of the harbour entrance, Coastguard northern region duty officer Chris Fransham said.
Conditions were described as "quite choppy".
"There's breaking water even inside the bar, so it's quite rough," he said.
"Survival times out there wouldn't be that good."
Police alerted the Coastguard about 9.50am after numerous reports from witnesses in the nearby Whatipu area of people being in the water.
Mr Fransham said one person who had gone to the aid of the missing man was rescued by a member of the public in a boat and taken to shore.
He said the search involved three Coastguard vessels and its air patrol, the Westpac rescue helicopter, an Auckland Airport hovercraft, and police and Fire Service personnel.
- NZPA
