Body found at Omanawa Falls, near Tauranga

  • 23/04/2018
Omanawa Falls in the Bay of Plenty.
Omanawa Falls in the Bay of Plenty. Photo credit: Google Maps

Police have found a body at the Omanawa Falls in the Bay of Plenty, believed to be that of an international student who disappeared on Sunday afternoon.

Emergency services responded after a report someone was missing in the water at 3pm, but were unable to find the victim. Police divers were called out to assist in the search, along with Search and Rescue staff.

The discovery and retrieval of the body was hampered by the 70-metre-deep ravine and darkness on Sunday night, but the body was found on Monday.

The University of Waikato has confirmed the missing man was one of its students.

"Our thoughts are with the friends and family of the missing student, and we are offering them all the support we can at this incredibly difficult time," says Mike Calvert, the Director of Student Services.

"Our staff are in contact with the other students involved in the incident, as well as those who are on the same course as the missing man.

"[We] are making sure they have access to all appropriate student services and assistance."

Another two swimmers were successfully rescued, and are being offered support.

Newshub.