UPDATE: Body found in search for man overboard, Wellington

Police have located a body in the search for a man who reportedly fell from a Wellington ferry early on Friday.

Members of the Police Dive Squad, working with the Royal New Zealand Navy, made the discovery in Wellington Harbour yesterday evening.

Enquiries will continue, including the formal identification of the person.

Police would like to thank the New Zealand Defence Force and members of the public for their assistance during this search, which has covered a wide area of Wellington Harbour.

Local iwi Te Āti Awa assisted Police by conducting karakia and have placed a rāhui over the inner harbour.

The rāhui will be lifted at 6.00am on Thursday morning.

The iwi request that kaimoana is not taken from the inner harbour out of respect for the whānau pani (grieving family) as they face the challenge ahead of them.

A number of enquiries still need to be made, and at this time Police are unable to comment further.

/NZ Police Public Release. View in full here.