Man who disappeared from Victorian beach identified as Jona Kinivuwai - 9News

The search for a man who disappeared while swimming off Victoria's Mornington Peninsula yesterday is continuing, with search crews battling tough conditions to find the 20-year-old.

Cranbourne man Jona Kinivuwai was swimming with a friend from work at Rye Beach just after 7pm yesterday.

The two men quickly became caught in a rip and were dragged out to sea, police have been told.

Cranbourne man Jona Kinivuwai is missing. (Supplied)

Kinivuwai's friend, in his 20s, managed to make it back to shore.

Acting Inspector Dean Delle-Vergini said the missing man was the youngest of five siblings, with the family hailing from Fiji.

"They're a large family, the missing man is the youngest in the family, so very very difficult for them at the moment," Dell-Vergini said.

"Our goal is to support the family in every way we can, we'll be throwing all our resources at trying to search for the missing male."

Cranbourne man Jona Kinivuwai was swimming with a friend from work at Rye Beach, just after 7pm yesterday. (9News)

Cranbourne man Jona Kinivuwai has been missing since yesterday evening. (9News)

Air Wing, SES, Lifesaving Victoria and Ambulance Victoria searched the water and surrounding area last night at what locals have labelled a notoriously dangerous beach.

The search has been made difficult for crews due to strong winds and rough waters.

The 20-year-old's devastated family have joined the frantic search.

"The last 24 hours is very heartbreaking for all of us," brother Joji Kinivuwai said.

The man's devastated family have joined the search. (9News)

The beach has been closed. (Nine)

Life Saving Victoria's general manager of lifesaving services Liam Krige urged Victorians to take care while swimming in open waters.

"We are really urging all Victorians to heed the safety advice, to be aware of their own abilities when heading out to the coastlines and inland waterways and to really look at the safety signage," Krige said.

"Make sure they are aware of the conditions before heading out and prioritise their safety."

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2024-02-05 07:46:44Z
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