Source: New Zealand Police
The search for a missing fisherman off the coast of Pataua South will scaled back, as searching moves into a new phase four days on from the alarm being raised.
Police, including the National Dive Squad, Search and Rescue crews and the Royal New Zealand Navy spent yesterday searching a large area of sea and shoreline in the hope of locating the man’s body.
Today, the search will be scaled back to give searchers a chance to rest and consider next steps in the process.
Detective Sergeant Paul Overton, Northland Police Search and Rescue Team Leader, says Auckland Coastguard Air Patrol attended this morning as part of the aerial search.
“We have extensively searched a vast area since we were first alerted on Friday night, in the hope of bringing the missing man home to his family.
“Our search has by no means stopped, but today we will scale back and consider what other options are available to us.
“There will still be a daily reconnaissance search of the shoreline in the hope that the changing currents, speed and water pressure will assist in the recovery of the missing man.”
Several agencies and volunteers have been involved so far, including the Police Eagle helicopter, Land Search and Rescue, Coastguard Tūtūkākā and Coastguard Whangārei.
Detective Sergeant Overton says Police appreciate the many offers of help and supportive messages that have been received from members of the public and those wishing to help.
“It’s been a really challenging time for everyone involved and we are grateful to each and every person who has assisted us during the past few days.”
The man was one of two people onboard a 17-foot runabout that was reported overdue on Friday night.
The body of the second person was located on Saturday morning along with the boat.
Police continue to ask the public to contact us on 111 if you see anything unusual in the water.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police
