Source: Radio New Zealand
Ferzil Babu, who went missing while on a fishing trip at The Gap, Taiharuru on 1 May, 2024. GiveaLittle
Human remains located on Coppermine Island (Mauipane), east of Whangārei have been identified as belonging to a person who went missing in May 2024.
He had been fishing at The Gap – a popular, but sometimes treacherous, fishing spot at Taiharuru.
On 20 December 2025, a member of the Department of Conservation contacted police after finding the remains on Coppermine Island (Mauipane).
The remains have since been examined by a pathologist, anthropologist, and ESR scientists to assist the police with identification.
Following the examination, the human remains have now been confirmed as those of missing person Ferzil Babu, who went missing while on a fishing trip at The Gap, Taiharuru on 1 May, 2024.
Police have since spoken with Babu’s family to inform them of the finding.
The body of a second fisherman who accompanied Babu on the fishing trip was recovered two days after they disappeared.
Sarath Kumar, 37, had been working as a nurse in Whangārei Hospital’s emergency department.
Police said they extended their sympathies to his loved ones at a difficult time.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
