Body found during search of Hokitika River

Police have located a body during their search for a missing 23-year-old man in the Hokitika River. 

While formal identification is yet to take place, they believe the body is that of a man that failed to surface on Saturday. 

Police were first alerted to the emergency near Whitecombe Valley Rd yesterday about 12.50pm.

It is believed the man fell from rocks while preparing to jump into the water at the Hokitika Gorge. He failed to resurface.

A briefing was held at 8am today for the search team, which involves Search and Rescue personnel, DoC staffers and a jet boat.

Search efforts ran until dark yesterday, and began again at first light this morning. 

Police have extended their thanks to all those involved in the search. 

The death will be referred to the Coroner. 

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