Browns Bay Beach incident

At about 9.45pm tonight a person was reported in difficulty out by the yellow bouy in front of the life-guard tower at Browns Bay Beach.
The bouy is some 200m offshore. Another person initially swam out to assist but was forced to return to shore.
The Police launch Deodar, Coastguard, Eagle helicopter were quickly on the scene to search. It was still daylight at the time.
Patrols have carried out a shoreline search and checked with beachgoers in case the person has come to shore.
The person at the bouy is described as a male possibly Asian, wearing dark-coloured speedos.
The water and air search did not locate anyone and have been stood down for the night.
Police request that the male contact them in the first instance if has swum to shore, to advise that he is safe.

Inspector Turepu Keenan
Northern Communications Centre