Pakiri Beach - No further sightings of teenage girl

Warkworth Police report that there's been no further sighting of a female
aged in her late teens who was observed splashing about in the surf at Pakiri
Beach at about 9.30pm last night Thursday 27 January 2011.

Police say that a group of fishermen saw the teenager while they were at the beach.
She was crying and appeared to be in distress. They approached her to check on
her well being. She told them she was okay and that she was going to go for a swim.

A short time later they saw the teenage girl enter the surf. She was clothed. She was
splashing about and did not appear to be in any difficulty. However they did not see
her exit the surf and so became concerned for her safety.

A female member of the group called police.Two helicopters searched the beach and
nearby coastline until almost 1.00am this morning but no sightings of the young woman
were made. Sea conditions at the time were described as 'becoming rough'

The Police helicopter Eagle returned to the location this morning and made several sweeps
but nothing was found. Police used a four wheel drive vehicle to search the length of the beach.

Police are making enquiries to establish the identity of the young woman.

They are keeping an open mind as to the possible whereabouts of the young woman.

Local surf club members are keeping a lookout for any sightings.

Warkworth Police say no female has been reported missing.

Weather in the area is deteriorating and heavy rain and winds are expected in
the next few hours. There is a high surf and conditions are rough.

Police have issued a description of the teenager.

Female - caucasian - late teens
Approximate age - 16 - 18 years
Blonde, shoulder length hair,
Slim build,
Clothing - wearing a white tee-shirt with a black symbol on the front
Black shorts with white dots - black cardigan

If anyone has any knowledge as to the possible identity of this teenager who was seen
in a distressed state at Pakiri Beach last night, please call Warkworth Police on 09 425 8109

NOTE; Pakiri Beach is a popular beach location on the east coast. It is about one hour's drive
north of Auckland and about six kilometres north of the popular diving & marine reserve at Goat Island