Police have released the name of the swimmer who drowned while trying to cross the mouth of the Mokihinui River, 46km northeast of Westport, on Tuesday afternoon.
He was Christopher Anton Perreau, 44, a Mokihinui resident previously from Woodend.
Mr Perreau was swept out to sea about 3.40pm.
His body was retrieved about 6.30pm in 2m of water about 15m from shore, following a search involving 20-30 people including Buller Surf Rescue, Granity firefighters, St John and locals.
- Kim Fulton of the Westport News
