Mystery over missing swimmer

Police are continuing to make enquiries as part of the search for a person at Whiritoa beach, between Whangamata and Waihi.

A person was seen entering the water off rocks at the Southern end of Whiritoa beach shortly after 5.00 p.m yesterday afternoon. The person was not seen to leave the water.

A search of the area was carried out using a coastguard vessel, surf lifesaving rescue vessels and a coastguard air patrol. Nothing was located as a result of that search.

The search phase has been scaled down today. There have been no reports of a missing person and enquiries locally have failed to confirm the circumstances.

A group of people were known to have been camping South of Whiritoa beach during the weekend and were in the area at the time the incident was reported to Police.

Police are interested in identifying and speaking to members of the group to see if they can assist in resolving the situation, either through something they may have seen or in identifying the swimmer.

Anybody with information is asked to contact Sergeant Ranger at the Whangamata Police phone 07 865 0304.

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