Body found in search for man who went missing while swimming in Lake Wanaka

A body has been found during the search for a man who went missing after swimming from an island in Lake Wanaka to retrieve a drifting boat yesterday afternoon.

The Police National Dive Squad found a male body at 3.30pm today, not far from where the swimmer disappeared. 

Police said in a statement the death is to be be referred to the Coroner, and the man will be named after his family has been informed of his death.

A Police search began after a man disappeared midday yesterday on Stevensons Island as he headed out to retrieve a drifting boat.

Another person swam out to help him but wasn't able to locate him.