Fisherman swept off the rocks at Whatipu Beach, West Auckland

Sunday, 17 November 2019

A search and rescue operation is under way at Whatipu Beach in West Auckland after a fisherman was washed off the rocks on Sunday.

Police were alerted to the incident at Ninepin Rock about 1.45pm.

The police Eagle helicopter, Coast Guard and LandSAR have joined the search. 

A 16-year-old swimmer disappeared in the water off Whatipu Beach on December 29, 2018, while searching for mussels. 

His body was recovered 10 days later north of Piha beach after being spotted by the police helicopter.  

An hour's drive from Auckland, isolated Whatipu does not have its own surf lifesavers.

The closest beach with a surf lifesaving club is Karekare, the next beach around the coast.