The Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) is leading the search for the sole occupant of a dinghy missing off the coast of Napier.
RCCNZ mission coordinator John Dickson said the man was understood to have gone out in the dinghy from Awatoto Beach, Napier, between 4.00am and 11.45am today, amid strong offshore winds. RCCNZ staff were now coordinating the search with support from Napier Police and Coastguard.
Mr Dickson said search aircraft were looking for the man, with messages also being broadcast to local boaties in the area to keep an eye out.
It was not known what if any lifesaving equipment the man had on board, he said.
More information will be made available as it comes to hand.
