Search resumes for missing kayaker

27 Oct 2026

Released by New Zealand Police

MediaRelease.co Summary

Police resumed the search on Tuesday morning for a man who went kayaking alone off Mill Bay in West Auckland and failed to return to shore on Monday afternoon. The Police Eagle helicopter, the Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter and Coastguard searched until dark. Inspector Simon Walker says the man was last seen on a blue and white kayak about one kilometre offshore between Mill Bay and Manukau Heads.

Original release

The search for a missing kayaker off the coast of Mill Bay in West Auckland will resume this morning.

At about 3pm yesterday, emergency services were called following a report of a man who had been kayaking alone and failed to return to shore.

Inspector Simon Walker, Waitematā West Area Commander, says an extensive search operation was conducted with the Police Eagle helicopter and Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter dispatched immediately.

“Coastguard also assisted in the search as well as other vessels and boats operating in the vicinity at the time.

“We searched until dark, however the man was not located.”

Inspector Walker says the man was last seen on a blue and white kayak about one kilometre offshore between Mill Bay and Manukau Heads.

“Search efforts today will focus on aerial and coastline searches in the area.

“I would like to thank all the agencies that have assisted so far in the search.”

Police continue to ask the public to contact us on 111 if you see anything unusual in the water.

Key details

Issued by
New Zealand Police
Published
27 Oct 2026
Publisher country
New Zealand

Source: https://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/search-resumes-missing-kayaker

MediaRelease.co ID: mr02363 · Markdown

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