The body of a man who went missing while swimming at Makarori Beach in Gisborne on Saturday has been found.

Three men went swimming around 9.50am and got into trouble while in the water.

A search and rescue operation was launched after one man drowned and another went missing while swimming at Makarori Beach on Saturday.

A 20-year-old man managed to make his way to shore by the time police arrived at the scene.

Police say shortly after they arrived at the scene, the body of a man in his early 20s was located at the beach. Read more here.

A search and rescue operation was launched for missing 18-year-old John Wakelin.

'A body was found by a Gisborne surfer close to shore in the surf off Wainui Beach about 4pm yesterday,” says Senior Sergeant Maui Aben.

'Police believe the body is that of John Wakelin. Formal identification will be made as soon as possible.”

The death has been referred to the Coroner.