Police said they had recovered the body of a missing swimmer in Auckland who failed to resurface after falling into a hole while in waist-deep water.
Emergency services were called to Lake Wainamu in Bethells Beach at around 6.10pm on Monday.
The Police National Dive Squad was called in to assist the search and police announced just after 5pm on Tuesday that a body had been recovered.
Senior Sergeant Jon Winthrop earlier said a 23-year-old man was in waist-deep water with three friends at the time of the incident.
“He has taken a few more steps before falling into a hole and has not resurfaced,” Winthrop said.
Police, lifeguards, and the eagle helicopter were all called to the scene to search for the missing swimmer.
“Our thoughts are with the man’s friends and family at this time,” police said.
The death will be referred to the Coroner.
