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Source: Photos.com -
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Police have recovered the body of missing swimmer Albert Alapati.
Police nightshift staff conducting a shoreline search located the body shortly before 5am this morning, at the southern end of Titahi Bay beach.
Alapati, 24, was last seen in water in Titahi Bay around 4pm on Saturday afternoon.
He was caught in a rip close to shore with his teenage brother and three female cousins, who were all rescued.
Titahi Bay surfer Jason Wilson-Haenga has said he was devastated he could not save Alapati, who was torn from his arms as he tried to hold him afloat above the massive waves.
Extensive aerial, land and marine searches have been carried out over the past five days.
Acting Kapiti Mana Area Commander Detective Inspector Ross Grantham says it is a relief to be able to return Alapati's body home to his family, who will now be able to begin to mourn their loss.
"Our thoughts are with the Alapati family at this difficult time."
Alapati was a former head boy at Porirua College and an Otago University student.
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