A large search effort is under way in Northland after a small motorboat failed to return to Pataua South on Friday evening. The 17 to 20 foot runabout, carrying two people, was reported overdue by family after it did not arrive back by 1900 hours. Search crews moved at first light on Saturday.
The air patrol launched at 08:55, working a detailed search area stretching from southern Awahoa Bay up the Taiharuru Peninsula and out towards Motutara Island off Ngunguru. Crews carried out a full shoreline sweep, then widened into a creeping line search covering up to five nautical miles offshore.
On Saturday at 10:35 the aircraft located the target vessel, a brown hull with white cabin, drifting inside the planned search pattern. Coordinates were passed immediately to surface units. A second sighting at 11:30, this time an orange object near Parauwanui Beach, was also relayed for vessels close by to investigate.
The aircraft landed in Whangārei at 12:35 for refuelling before returning to base at 13:15, completing three and a half hours of flight time supported by ongoing radio and phone communication.
Tragically, one person has been found deceased. The search for the remaining person or persons continues with support from police, Coastguard crews, search and rescue volunteers, and members of the public.
Agencies involved have thanked everyone who assisted and encouraged anyone heading onto the water this summer to check their boat, life jackets, comms and trip plan. As efforts continue, thoughts remain with the whānau affected by this loss.
