Man who drowned at Pinders Pond named

Pinders Pond is a popular swimming are near Roxburgh. Photo: ODT
Pinders Pond is a popular swimming area near Roxburgh. Photo: ODT
The man who died at a popular swimming spot in Central Otago on Friday evening was a Malaysian national who lived in Roxburgh.

Police confirmed he was 23-year-old Ehsan Bin Zakaria Muhammad.

The Malaysian High Commission released a statement confirming the man's death, saying he was a former student in Auckland.

The High Commission is providing consular assistance and extended their condolences to the family and friends of Muhammed Ehsan.

His body was found late on Friday night by divers after he failed to surface while swimming at Pinders Pond, a popular swimming and camping spot.

Emergency services had been notified of a person missing in the water about 7.35pm.

He did not surface and divers from a local search and rescue team were called in and searched in the murky water.

The police national dive squad had been notified but stood down.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews from Roxburgh and a rescue helicopter were also sent to the area.

His death will be referred to the Coroner.