A Search and Rescue Team will assemble at dawn to search the rugged coastline at Ti Point north of Omaha Beach, for a 34 year old man who is reported missing after going for a recreational dive in the area.
The man and his male companion went into the sea at about 1.15pm this afternoon [Monday 5 February 2007]. The sea area in which they went tank diving was about 50 metres offshore.
When the experienced diver failed to join his companion onshore an hour later at 2.15pm, a search was carried out by a small group of friends and locals.
Constable Gary MORNING, of Warkworth says a member of the public called Police to report the diver missing, and a full scale search operation began in the locality at about 3.45pm this afternoon.
"The Police Launch Deodar, the Coastguard from Browns Bay, Eagle helicopter, have all been involved. Some members of the local community launched their own small boats to search for missing diver. The weather in the area has been atrocious," Constable MORNING said.
"There are significant swells offshore and along the coast of up to 3 metres or more, and the forecast for tonight and the next 24 hours is for big swells with rain and winds up to 35 knots," he said.
"The search has now been called off for the night due to severe conditions. So far there has been no sign of the missing diver," Constable MORNING said.
ENDS:
Kevin [Kev] Loughlin
District Communications Manager / Media Advisor
Waitemata Police District
12-14 Northcroft Street - Takapuna - Auckland
Phone 09 488 9758 - Extn 96308
Mobile 027 281 0271
Email - kevin.loughlin@police.govt.nz