A search will resume this morning for a man reported to Police as missing near a river on the outskirts of Whitianga yesterday.
Speaking from the search coordination centre, Constable Dave Pitchford of the Waikato Search and Rescue Squad said 19-year-old Cem (pronounced Jem) ERBAY was reported missing about 5.30pm.
"He was last seen by friends he had been socialising with after crossing the one lane bridge on Wharekaho Rd at the end of Simpson's Beach Whitianga about 4am.
"From Auckland, Mr ERBAY has a pre-existing medical condition that is of concern to Police and his family the longer he remains unaccounted for."
CEM ERBAY is described as an olive skinned Caucasian male, 175cm tall of medium build with short brown hair last seen wearing a long sleeve-white T-shirt, jeans and was believed to have been barefoot at the time he went missing.
Mr Pitchford said an extensive search for the missing man was carried out along the river bank overnight and that search, involving a number of SAR squads from across the District, resumed this morning.
"Today's search will go over areas canvassed last night and will extend to areas of farmland and the coastline.
"We're asking anyone who may have seen him or who may have given a person matching his description a ride to contact the Whitianga Police Station on 07 866 4000."
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