Police dive squad recover body from Whanganui River

Police dive squad searching for missing swimmer this morning.

The Police Dive Squad has located a body from the Whanganui River today.

The body is believed to be that of a person who was reported missing while swimming near Somme Parade on Thursday evening.

Police said the death will be referred to the Coroner.

"Our thoughts are with the person's family at this difficult time," a spokesperson said.

A rāhui placed on the Whanganui River covering the area from Te Ao Hou marae in Aramoho through to the river mouth is anticipated to remain in place until the morning of Sunday, February 23.

Coastguard and police were searching the river on Thursday night and a police dive squad recovered the body at around 1pm on Friday.

A police spokeswoman said a call was received at 7.15pm on Thursday that a person was seen disappearing beneath the water in the river and had not resurfaced.

Police have yet to name the deceased or confirm further details.

Police and coastguard are searching the Whanganui River for a swimmer who disappeared last night. Photo / Bevan Conley