A Dunedin family is holding onto hope - as the search for a missing teen enters its fourth day

Emergency services were called to St Clair Beach on Thursday afternoon after 14-year-old Vinnie Beecroft failed to return to shore.

His family has released a statement, and spokesperson Kathy Peters says they want to express their utmost gratitude to everyone involved in the search.

She says their thoughts go out to the other young boys Vinnie was with on the day - who did everything they could to help him.

Peters says the family is trying to cope the best they can - but they're aware the chances of him being found are dropping by the hour.