Body found in lake where swimmer went missing

Police have recovered a body from Lake Wa¯naka after searching for a swimmer who was reported missing on Thursday evening. The national police dive squad recovered a body from the lake at 1.30pm yesterday. The body found is believed to be South Korean tourist Park Jin Woo, who is a member of his country’s navy. The 22-year-old, whose English name is Mark Park, was swimming with friend Patrick Park just before 7pm on Thursday when he stopped between the shore and the pontoon, which is about 30 metres out. Park Jong Eon, who goes by Patrick Park, said his friend was a competent swimmer, healthy, and he was shocked when he saw him begin to struggle while he waited for him on the pontoon. Patrick Park then dived off the pontoon to swim out to his friend, who was still above water. ‘‘I dived in and tried to save him. I tried to grab him but he went under and I couldn’t see him.’’ A member of the public also swam out to try to find him. Police said the water was 10 metres deep where he went under. A police dive squad from Wellington arrived at the lake front at noon. Representatives from the South Korea consulate were also at the scene.