A search and rescue operation is underway after a person is believed to have been swept out to sea on the West Coast yesterday evening. Emergency services received the report about 6pm that the person had been washed out to sea in the Greymouth or Blaketown area, West Coast Search and Rescue Senior Sergeant Mark Kirkwood said. “Extensive searches have been conducted in the area, involving police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Kotuku Surf Lifesaving and Garden City Helicopters,” he said. “The Emily B Drifter was also deployed, the drifter replicates where a person in the ocean may be.” A kayak was found washed up near Blaketown about 7.30pm yesterday. Police are working to determine whether this is linked to the person that was seen. A kayak was found washed up near Blaketown, West Coast, shortly after a person was reported being seen swept out to sea in the area. “We’re asking anybody who recognises this kayak, or has not heard from somebody who was kayaking in Greymouth yesterday [March 7) to contact police via 105,” Kirkwood said. He asked anyone doing so to please quote the reference number P065678948.