Teenagers' rescue bid praised

Police have praised two Wanganui students for trying to save an elderly man whose canoe capsized in the Whanganui River on Monday night.

Peter Thomas Munson, 75, is missing, presumed drowned.

Acting Senior Sergeant Darcy Forrester said Peter Toy, 16, of Wanganui City College, and James Higgie, 16, of Wanganui Collegiate, saw Mr Munson capsize about 5pm.

When he failed to surface they swam out to try to rescue him.