A search and rescue operation is continuing in Greymouth after a person was reported to have been swept out to sea.

Emergency services received a report around 6pm on Saturday of a person being carried out to sea in the Greymouth and Blaketown area.

Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Kotuku Surf Lifesaving and Garden City Helicopters have been involved in extensive searches of the area.

The vessel Emily B was also deployed, using a drifter device designed to replicate where a person in the ocean may drift.

A kayak was found washed up near Blaketown around 7.30pm on Saturday.

Senior Sergeant Mark Kirkwood said police were making enquiries to determine whether the kayak was linked to the person seen in the water.

Police have asked anyone who recognises the kayak, or who has not heard from someone who may have been kayaking in Greymouth on 7 March, to contact police via 105.

People are asked to quote reference number P065678948.