At approximately 2:40pm Palmerston North Police were alerted to a swimmers disappearance at Himatangi Beach. A 27 year-old Feilding man was swimming with his partner and friends when he got out of his depth and drifted away from the group.
A search has been underway this afternoon and has been supported by surf live savers from Himatangi, Foxton and Kapiti, two vessels from Manawatu Coast Guard, the Palmerston North Rescue Helicopter and Heli Pro.
Police will continue searching until dark. Four wheel drive vehicles will continue to search at each tide change throughout the night. Officers from the Police Dive Squad are scheduled to arrive tomorrow to take part in the search.
Police are in the process of notifying the man's family. Until that notification has been fully completed no further information about the man will be disclosed.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Sara Stavropoulos on 027 702 0850.