Poor weather hampers search for man swept off rocks at Papanui Point

Sunday, 29 November 2020

A search is ongoing for a fisherman swept off rocks at Papanui Point in Raglan on Sunday.

A police spokesperson said they were notified at around 9.30am following a report a man was in difficulty in the water.

“Searching has been underway today including Police, Coastguard, Surf Lifeguards and air searches by the rescue helicopter,” a police spokesperson said.

“Unfortunately the man has not been located so far. Poor weather has impeded the search effort and Search and Rescue will be assessing the conditions at Ruapuke Beach to determine the next steps.”

David Galuszka from the Raglan Suft Life Saving Club said they had initial reports of the incident at around 9.30am.

“There is a fisherman off rocks at Papanui Point,” he said.

“At this stage they’re missing.”

Papanui Point was also the scene of what may be a similar disappearance, when a teenager was swept off the rocks there.

The site has a notorious reputation and has claimed at least 18 lives.