A body which washed up on Auckland’s Bethells Beach is likely that of a man missing at Piha Beach, police say.
Police were notified of the body at about 8.10pm last night.
On Tuesday, a helicopter search was underway for a man who went missing while swimming in a group of six at Piha Beach.
Lifeguards said the group were “swept out to sea” after being caught in a rip.
Police said at the time they were aware of five people who were rescued shortly after, but the sixth was not located.
Formal identification is ongoing. However, police said it is “likely the body of the man who got into difficulty in the water at Piha on Tuesday evening”.
“The man’s family has been advised and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.”
The death will be referred to the Coroner.