Search underway for missing female diver

An air and sea search is underway off Makara Beach, on Wellington's south coast, this morning for a missing diver.

Police said the woman failed to surface after 40 minutes underwater, about 5km off the beach, about 8.30am.

Her diver's sausage - a device used to draw the attention of dive boats - has been located.

Two helicopters are assisting the Mana and Kapiti coastguards, two private boats, and the police launch in the search.

Conditions were calm with little wind, police said.

- NZPA