A Gisborne man, aged 48, lost his life in the incident.
“The man who died had been attempting to swim back to the beach to get a boat to help his mates when he got into difficulties and tragically drowned,” said Search and rescue coordinator Senior Constable Tony Maultsaid.
“The trio had all tried to swim back to the beach but the rising tide, strong current, a strong southerly wind change and fatigue made it too difficult for two of the men to continue, so they made their way back to the island.
“Their companion opted to try to swim back to shore to get a boat to get his mates off the island.
“But he got into difficulties and disappeared.
“His mates on the island had no idea that he had got into difficulties.”
When the three men went diving it was completely calm, but then the wind got up from the south and sea conditions changed.
Snr Const Maultsaid said people on shore saw the mens' vehicle on the beach being caught by the tide and realised the men were still on the island.
“They took a boat out to get them.
“When it was realised the other man had not made it to shore the alarm was raised and a search was started.”
Police search and rescue and the Trust Tairawhiti rescue helicopter were called in and they searched the bay for around two hours until around dusk on Sunday night, without success.
At first light yesterday morning the rescue chopper returned to the bay to search again, and the man's body was found on shore on the mainland, just north of where he disappeared.
An IRB from the Uawa Tiaki Tai surf lifesaving club in Tolaga Bay was called in to assist with recovering the man's body, which was found on some rocks.
“The police did a good job locating the man,” said surf club club captain Kerehama Blackman.
“Our job was to ensure that we were able to assist with the safe retrieval and return him to his whanau.”
Snr Const Maultsaid said the search team were relieved to find him.
“It was good we were able to do that and return him to his family.”
Victim Support have been engaged to work with the man's family.
“We extend our condolences to them at this very sad time.”
Police have not yet been able to release the man's name, as they continue to advise all next of kin.
Snr Const Maultsaid said people intending to go diving, or out fishing in a boat need to check forecast weather conditions and be aware of tide changes.
The death will be referred to the coroner.
* A Rahui Moana has been put in place.
It will remain until December 20 (next Sunday), covering Anaura Bay from Motuoroi Island to Waipare Reef (north of Waipare homestead).
