Search for missing teenager at Auckland beach continues

3:54 pm on 3 January 2024
Emergency services, including the Coastguard are searching for a missing swimmer at Karioatahi Beach in January 2024.

Police have named the missing swimmer as Hiran Joseph, 19, from Auckland. Photo: Supplied / Surf Life Saving New Zealand

The search has continued today for a missing swimmer at Karioitahi Beach in Auckland.

Police have named the teenager as Hiran Joseph, 19, from Auckland.

He was swimming with two others on the evening of 2 January when they got into difficulty, said police.

Two made it back to shore, but Joseph remained missing.

Search efforts have been ongoing today with support from Police Land SAR and Surf Life Saving NZ, said police.

They were continuing to provide support to Joseph's family.

Local iwi have placed down a rāhui on recreational fishing and swimming from today until 11 January.

It extended from directly in front of the Surf Club at Karioitahi Beach heading north to Hamilton's Gap.

Kariaotahi Surf Life Saving Club.

The Karioitahi Surf Life Saving Club. Photo: Supplied