Police launch Deodar is returning to Auckland with the plane wreckage that was hauled up in fishing nets off the coast of Great Barrier Island this morning. The launch, accompanied by the Auckland Harbourmaster's barge, managed to rendezvous with the trawler near the southern end of the island at about 4.30pm and is expected to arrive at the Marine Rescue Centre at about 8.30pm.
Deodar crew report that the plane is severely damaged but some features are consistent with the plane that was last piloted by missing Auckland man Daroish Kraidy. A detailed inspection of the wreckage and its contents will be carried out tomorrow by a Police Disaster Victim Identification expert and Civil Aviation Authority personnel.
No further information will be released tonight.
ENDS