Police search for missing swimmer suspended

Friends and volunteers will continue to search for a missing swimmer after police tonight suspended their official search.

Young Fijian rugby player Eroni Ravaga Gaunavou failed to resurface while swimming with friends off Akitio Beach in Wairarapa on Monday afternoon.

Sergeant Andy Brooke of Palmerston North Search and Rescue says the decision was made after further sweeps following this evening's low tide.

It says it was not an easy decision but was made after a full assessment of the week's effort.

More than 100 people were involved in today's search, but there has been no sign of the missing 22-year-old.

Sergeant Brooke says the community response has been incredible, with farmers, volunteer firefighters, rugby club members, business people and others all helping.

A helicopter was again used today at the two low tides for sweeps of the points north and south of the place the young man was last seen.

Boats and jet skis were also used today.

Friends will continue the search for several more days.

Police: NZ Herald