Woman Recovered Near Moutohorā Island After Ōpōtiki Search

A 36-year-old woman who entered the water near Ōpōtiki on Sunday has been located near Moutohorā Island, north of Whakatāne.

Police were called to the area about 1.15pm today after a member of the public on a recreational vessel saw a person in the water and raised the alarm.

Coastguard National Operations Centre received the call at 1.22pm and notified Police Search and Rescue.

Coastguard Whakatāne volunteers were then called on to assist, taking Police officers from its base to the scene to support the recovery operation.

The woman has been formally identified as the person who entered the Ōtara River mouth and Waioeka River mouth in Ōpōtiki on Sunday.

Her death will be referred to the Coroner.

Coastguard Whakatāne says its thoughts are with the woman's family and loved ones.

It says recovery operations can be difficult for volunteer crews, and support is being provided to the Whakatāne volunteers involved.

Police said they would like to thank partner agencies, search teams and members of the community who helped with the search and efforts to return the woman to her whānau.

Inspector Phil Gillbanks said Police remain in contact with the woman's whānau.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority has also been notified, as is standard procedure.

Police are leading the matter and all enquiries should be directed to Police.

Anyone with information relating to the matter is asked to contact Police online or call 105, quoting 261004/6772.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.