The search for a missing Malaysian man in Tolaga Bay near Gisborne has come to a bittersweet end.

Searchers had been looking for Kuan Loon Loh since he got into trouble in the water and disappeared on Wednesday afternoon.

Reporter Murray Robertson says the discovery was made shortly after four this afternoon.

"Divers went down and recovered Mr Loh's body about 200 metres off the end of Tologa Bay wharf."

The body has been taken to the mortuary to be formally identified.

Murray Robertson says it's an emotional time for the family - but they are obviously very relieved Mr Loh has been returned to them.