Family of missing swimmer Jona Kinivuwai wait for news on Rye beach

The family of missing swimmer Jona Kinivuwai has gathered at the Rye beach where the 20-year-old disappeared, as they desperately await any update on their loved one.

Jona Kinivuwai’s family wait at Number 16 Beach in Rye. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

The swimmer missing off Number Sixteen Beach in Rye has been identified as 20-year-old Jona Kinivuwai.

Jona, who turned 20 on Australia Day, was swept out to sea at the Mornington Peninsula beach on Sunday while swimming with a friend.

His older brother, Joji, said the past 24 hours had been a very difficult time for the family.

“He is the youngest of four and we are all really protective of him,” he said.

“When we heard the news last night, we have all really struggled.”

He said Jona loved playing sports, particularly rugby.

Joji, Jonah’s father and older brother have remained at the beach since Jonah vanished, awaiting any news with hope.

Jona Kinivuwai has been identified as the swimmer missing off 16th Beach in Rye.

Jona’s family says he is a passionate rugby player. Picture: Supplied

Joji Kinivuwai and family wait for news at Number 16 Beach at Rye. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Joji said the one thing driving the family through the tragedy was bringing Jona home.

“The Police and SES have done an amazing job and we appreciate it a lot,” he said.

“We just want him back with us.”

Strong winds and choppy conditions on Monday hampered the search for Jona.

Acting Inspector Dean Delle-Vergini said the poor conditions in the water meant that police divers were unable to be deployed on Monday.

“We will be continuing search efforts until end of light today and will return (Tuesday) with all of our resources to continue,” he said.

“The big swells along the coast made it difficult to be in the water today, but we hope conditions ease for tomorrow.”

The difficult conditions also increased the search area for emergency services, with swells at Number Sixteen Beach pushing west towards the entrance to Port Phillip Bay.

Emergency services were called to Number Sixteen Access Road just before 7pm on Sunday after reports a group of swimmers were in trouble.

The two men swimming with Jona managed to make it back to shore and were taken to Frankston Hospital in a stable condition.

Police search waters off Number 16 Beach. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Number Sixteen Beach in Rye where the pair went swimming. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Jona’s father and brother on the beach. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

The scene at Number Sixteen Beach after Jona was swept away. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Police believe the trio got caught in a rip while swimming at Number 16 Beach.

A rescue helicopter could be seen flying low to the coast on Monday morning.

Police have confirmed search efforts are primarily being carried out by land and air, with conditions too “treacherous” for water searches.

It is the second emergency incident at Rye over the weekend, after a scuba diver died at Rye Pier on Saturday morning.

Eight people also had to be rescued after they were swept off the rocks near Cape Schanck, also on the Mornington Peninsula, on Sunday afternoon, with two teenagers taken to Frankston Hospital in a stable condition.

Lifesaving Victoria General Manager Liam Krige said there have been 22 drownings across the Victoria since December 1.

“That is far too many,” Mr Krige said.

“Many of those are preventable and avoidable.”

Mr Krige said the increase in drownings was due to Victorians heading to unpatrolled waters.

“They aren’t getting advice from lifesavers on beaches and perhaps aren’t aware of their own abilities,” he said.

“We want to remind people when they are going out to our waterways and coastlines to follow safety advice and be aware of conditions and their swimming abilities.”

A Rye resident said on Monday their nearby beaches were frequently underestimated by swimmers and surfers.

“I feel like it was only a few months ago where there was another rescue of swimmers who had been swept out to see,” she said.

“The signs warning people of how dangerous the waters are just don’t really get noticed.”