Search continues for missing fisherman

A 26-year-old Morrinsville man remains missing after he was swept off rocks while fishing at Homanga Bay, north of Waihi Beach, late yesterday.

Police, surf lifeguards and search and rescue members were today searching the sea and the coastline for any sign of the man, who was fishing with four friends when he was swept off the rocks at about 5pm yesterday.

The man's fishing companions threw a chilly bin into the water for the man, but he was unable to grab it. His friends saw him being bashed against rocks and he was last seen floating in the water.

Seas in the area were very rough yesterday and today, with 3-4m swells.

Police and search and rescue members were today scouring the coastline in a ground search, working from the bay down to Waihi Beach. Members of the Waihi Beach surf club are out in an IRB with a police officer, searching the rocky outcrops along the coastline.

The man's family has also organised their own search party.

Last night, police and members of the Waihi Beach surf club searched until 8pm for the man, with no result. The Westpac rescue helicopter was also involved in the search.

Police say the sea today is still rough, which is making searching more difficult.

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