Search suspended for teen missing in surf at remote West Auckland beach

Saturday, 29 December 2018

A coastguard aircraft has been dispatched to search the area.

The search for a teenager missing in surf at a remote Auckland beach will resume on Sunday.

The 16-year-old male went missing at Whatipu beach in Huia, West Auckland, about 1.30pm on Saturday.

The search by police Eagle helicopter was suspended at sunset.

Police received reports of the incident at 1:30pm and police were dispatched: 'There were reports that a swimmer had entered the water and not come out.'

A Huia local said the Whatipu Beach is not recommended for swimming due to the wild nature of the waves.

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Two female swimmers in the water at the same time returned to shore and were attended to by paramedics. One was in hospital on Saturday night for observation.

Involved in the search were a number of local boats and emergency service vessels, as well as the police helicopter, and Coastguard plane.

Around 30 people remained gathered on the beach in the late afternoon while the search continued.

A swimmer has gone missing at Whatipu beach. (File photo).

Police were alerted to the incident at 1:30pm on Saturday. Police remained at the scene almost four hours later.

A Huia local said it was not recommended for people to swim at the beach due to the wild nature of the waves.

'It can be dangerous for swimmers, all we can do is hope Tangaroa brings those involved back.'

Coastguard said two units were attending the incident, NZ Steel Rescue and NZ Papakura Rescue One, and the Auckland Westpac Rescue helicopter was also dispatched.