People in Gisborne are rallying around a local family which has lost two sons in a drowning tragedy.

Paul Wakelin died while trying to save his younger brother at Makarori Beach on Saturday morning.

The search continues for 18-year-old John Wakelin who is still missing, presumed drowned after he got caught in a rip with a friend.

It's understood the group were long-line fishing off the beach and decided to go for a swim.

Gisborne mayor Meng Foon says locals are doing what they can to help.

"There's a whole lot of people at Makorori Beach in their yachts and kayaks and boats looking out for the younger one.

"The whole community is shocked."

Meng Foon says the men's father, Chris Wakelin is a well-known horticulturist in the area.