Shoreline search for missing swimmer called off

Sunday, 30 December 2018

A 16-year-old boy went missing at Whatipu beach in West Auckland about 1.30pm on Saturday.

A shoreline search for a teenager missing off a remote Auckland beach has been suspended, but aerial searches are continuing on Sunday.

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

Land and sea searches began on Saturday and continued on Sunday morning. However, a police officer on the scene said the land search had been called off later on Sunday morning.

Friends and family of the missing boy were at the beach on Sunday, but declined to make any comment.

In a statement at 12.40pm, police said 'periodic' aerial searches would continue by the police Eagle helicopter.

Emergency services were at Whatipu beach searching for the missing teen on Sunday morning.

'Swimming not advised' sign at Whatipu beach in Auckland.

Surf Life Saving would continue to perform sweeps of the beach area in the coming days, supported by police staff.

'Police are focusing on continuing to provide support to the family of the missing swimmer,' the statement said.

Police earlier on Sunday morning said officers, Search and Rescue and volunteers would continue a shoreline and water search from 8.30am Sunday.

A 16-year-old boy has been missing at Whatipu beach in Huia, West Auckland, since Saturday afternoon.

A Huia local said swimming at the beach was not recommended 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.'

The beach has signs warning of strong rips and currents, and stating: 'Swimming not advised.'