Auckland, NZ — A major search operation is underway after a man was swept off the rocks while fishing south of Piha on Sunday morning.
Police say the man was fishing at Union Bay, Karekare, when a wave knocked him into the water at around 10.15am. Search teams from Police, Coastguard and Surf Lifesaving New Zealand were immediately deployed, but as of early afternoon there was still no sign of him.
Surf Lifesaving New Zealand confirmed the man was washed away near Farley Point, and that the alarm was raised by a witness who ran to the Karekare Surf Life Saving Club for help.
Lifeguards launched a wide search between Karekare Beach and Mercer Bay using four rescue watercraft and an inflatable rescue boat, supported by the Piha search and rescue squad.
By 1pm, lifeguards were stood down, though Police said the operation was continuing, with additional searches to be carried out at low tide later in the day.
Union Bay and the surrounding Karekare coastline are known for powerful surges and unpredictable swell, and authorities regularly warn rock fishers to take extreme care in the area.
Sunday’s incident comes just hours after the body of a missing kayaker was discovered in Waiwera, north of Auckland — the second serious water‑related emergency in the region the same day.
Police have not released further details about the missing fisherman, and the search remains active.
