A search has resumed today for a 34-year-old man who was swept away while swimming in the Whanganui River on Saturday.
Yesterday an 87km stretch of river between Whakahoro and Pipriki was searched four times with no sign of the missing man.
Those searches have resumed today assisted by the Police Dive Squad from Wellington who will focus on areas identified over the last two days as benefiting from an underwater search.
The area in which the man went missing is only accessible by boat.
Constable Aaron Owen said: "We always remain hopeful in these situations that those missing have been able to make it to safety, but obviously as each day passes our concern increases."
The man was part of a large group making a staged trip down the river. He and another man from the group attempted to swim across the river in an area known as Mangapapapa at approximately 1pm on Saturday afternoon when the incident happened.
The river was in flood at the time and is still high and murky but receding.
Police are still trying to locate some of the man's family so his name is not being released at this time.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.