The Police National Dive Squad has located a body in the Whanganui River this afternoon.
Police were initially called about 3.15am today after a man was seen in distress in the water near Anzac Parade.
A search by police divers resulted in a body being found just before 4.30pm.
The body has been removed and a formal identification process will now follow.
The local iwi has performed a blessing near the site where the body was found.
A rāhui will remain in place for three days, from Te Ao Hou marae (on Somme Parade), past Pūtiki, and out to the river mouth.