The search for a person missing after a vehicle crashed into a Bay of Plenty river on Friday morning is still ongoing.

Police are also still searching for the car.

Emergency services were alerted to the fact a vehicle had gone down a bank into the Waioeka River, between Waioeka Pa Rd and Waiata Rd, about 10.20am.

Police said two people were taken to Whakatāne Hospital with moderate injuries and one person is currently unaccounted for.

On Friday, a Motu River Jet boat from Ōpōtiki assisted with the search from 11am.

The operator, who did not want to be named, said he helped bring people across the river.

The crash occurred near the Historic Tauranga Bridge over the Waioeka River. Photo / Laura Smith

“The car’s in the water and there were people across the river, so [I have been] basically assisting in bringing people back to shore.”

He said search-and-rescue teams were preparing to work after dark on Friday night.

On Saturday, the search for the missing person and vehicle continued.

“The search in the area is ongoing,” said a police spokesperson. “There were three people total in the vehicle. One person remains missing.”

“Any update will be issued proactively when available.”

Anyone downstream of the Historic Tauranga Bridge should call 111 if they have information that may help police.

Please reference file number P060175638.