Canterbury Police are now able to confirm that the body of the diver recovered on Tuesday last week (10 February 2015) was that of the diver who went missing on 8 February 2015. She was 37 year old Bua-Ngoen THONGSI, a Thai national, living in New Zealand.
The death has been referred to the Coroner who will determine the cause of death. Canterbury Police and Victim Support are working with the victim’s next of kin who are understandably extremely upset.
Police investigations into the incident are ongoing.
A family spokesperson says “We are all still in shock and slowly coming to terms with the fact that she is not coming home. We understand that there is media and public interest in the incident that took her from us, but ask our privacy be respected while we grieve.”
Canterbury Police SAR would like to thank everyone who took part in the search and recovery operation last week.
ENDS
Issued by: Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police District. Mobile: 021 942 404