The body of a person missing after an accident in the Waioeka River south of Ōpōtiki has been found.

The victim was traveling with two others in a car which drove down the embankment between Waioeka Pa Rd and Waiata Rd on Friday morning.

Two people were taken to Whakatane Hospital with moderate injuries, but despite search and rescue efforts, the third person and the vehicle could not be found.

“Rain in the headwaters of the Opato and Waioeka has kept river levels high, making entry into the river unsafe,” said Eastern Bay of Plenty Region Senior Sergeant, Richard Miller, earlier this week.