Just before 5pm this evening a small 18-foot boat with two men on board overturned as it tried to cross the Manukau bar to re-enter the harbour in the Manukau heads, via the south channel.
The occupants of another boat saw what had happened, called Police and managed to retrieve one man out of the water, who was uninjured.
Another occupant, an elderly Samoan man, remains missing and Police hold grave fears for his safety.
The Police Eagle Helicopter, Coastguard and Police vessel Deodar have scoured the area over the past few hours, however the gentleman hasn’t been located and the search is ongoing.
At this stage Police understand that both men were wearing life jackets.
The uninjured man has been taken to shore and is being supported by his family and Police.
ENDS
Media please note a further update will be provided after 9am tomorrow morning.