Police have scaled back the search for the missing fisherman off Pataua South as the operation moves into a new phase, four days after the alarm was first raised. The man was one of two people aboard a 17 foot runabout reported overdue on Friday night. The boat and the body of the second man were found on Saturday morning, but extensive efforts since then have not yet located the missing fisherman.
The National Dive Squad, Search and Rescue teams, Coastguard crews and the Royal New Zealand Navy spent yesterday covering a wide area of coastline and open water. Detective Sergeant Paul Overton, Northland Police Search and Rescue Team Leader, says the Auckland Coastguard Air Patrol joined the aerial search this morning as part of ongoing efforts.
“We have extensively searched a vast area since we were first alerted on Friday night,” he says. “Our search has by no means stopped, but today we will scale back and consider what other options are available to us.”
Overton says daily shoreline reconnaissance will continue, with hope that shifting currents and water movement will assist in the recovery. Over recent days, the operation has included the Police Eagle helicopter, LandSAR teams, Coastguard Tūtūkākā and Coastguard Whangārei, alongside Navy personnel and local volunteers.
He acknowledges the strong support shown by the community. “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.”
Police continue to ask the public to contact 111 if they see anything unusual in the water.
