Aircraft crash of Waikato coast release VI
Deteriorating weather conditions and sea states have prevented further confirmatory exploration of a crash site where a multi-agency located the upside down wreckage of an aircraft yesterday.
Sergeant Warren Shaw of the Waikato Search and Rescue Squad said a mixed team of Police, Navy, CAA, NIWA and Coastguard staff returned to the scene of the wreck this morning but conditions prevented the launch of another Remote Operated Underwater Vehicle (ROV).
"Consequently the Coastguard vessel has returned to Raglan where planning and coordination is continuing with a view of having operational options available for when the Navy's dive support vessel, HMNZS MANAWANUI, arrives on Friday.
"MANAWANUI's capabilities include a recompression chamber, dive bell, lifting and four point precision anchoring which will be invaluable to the recovery team and she will also embark a detachment of Navy Operational Divers to assist in the search."
With inclement weather and sea conditions likely to continue tomorrow Mr Shaw said this will provide an opportunity for the multi-agency team to plan, consolidate and carry out logistical tasks.
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