Police say the disappearance of a missing diver near Wellington's Titahi Bay beach could have possibly been avoided if he had not gone out alone.
A search has been launched for Colin Smithies, 49, a father of four, who has been missing since Monday night.
The search covers an area as far as Mana Island and Pukerua Bay.
So far, police say they have found Mr Smithies' car and are hopeful his backpack, which has also been found, will help to find him.
Inspector Mike Wright believes Mr Smithies could have avoided trouble by going out with a friend.
He says police are still hopeful they will find him alive.
