BECKIE WILSON
The body of a diver who went missing at Flat Point on Sunday was found by a family member during a shoreline search late Monday afternoon.
The 31-year-old man from Manawatu had been diving with two other men when he failed to resurface not long after entering the sea on Sunday afternoon, senior sergeant Mike Sutton said.
“We are still establishing exactly what they were doing at that time . . . they had not long entered the water with the intention of snorkelling,” Mr Sutton said.
Navy divers, fishing boats and a helicopter were used in the search over the two days, but his body was found by a family member at Flat Point beach at 7.15pm on Monday.
Police, and search and rescue were working on several scenarios on Monday which involved searches along the shoreline and at sea.
All scenarios were reliant on the weather, he said.
The man’s family had arrived at the coast after the incident and were given accommodation by the Flat Point community.
“The family was grateful for the efforts made, and are ultimately relieved to have him back.”
Mr Sutton thanked the Flat Point residents who helped, including those who used boats in the search.
Formal identification of the body was expected to be completed on Wednesday, followed by the release of his name.
The death has been referred to the coroner.
