Search for man swept away in river

A search is continuing this morning for a man missing after swimming in the Whanganui River.

At approximately 1pm yesterday (Saturday, 14 January) a group of canoeists were on the river below John Coull Hut in an area known as Mangapapapa.

Two of the group attempted to swim across the river and one of the pair, a 34-year-old man from Whanganui, was swept away. A search was carried out yesterday by local boats, tour boats, a DOC boat and a helicopter which scoured an 87km stretch of the river between Whakahoro and Pipiriki. That search has resumed again this morning.

Four boats and a Fly My Sky helicopter from Taumarunui are involved in today's search. There are also approximately 12 other searchers which include police incident controllers from Ruapehu Police and volunteers from Taumarunui, Turangi and Ohakune who are checking the riverbanks.

The river was in flood when the incident happened yesterday and is still in flood this morning. The river level is dropping but the water remains very murky.

The missing man was wearing just shorts when he disappeared. In the event that he has managed to get to shore, trampers are asked to keep an eye out for any signs of him. Anyone using the river is also asked to be extra vigilant.