Police are continuing their search for a 35-year-old man who went missing while crab fishing at Uretiti.
About 12.30pm yesterday the man went out in small inflatable dinghy to set some crab pots. There was a very strong wind blowing offshore and the man’s dinghy was blown out to sea.
Police believe the dinghy has tipped over and the man has fallen into the sea.
Police Search and Rescue Senior Sergeant Cliff Metcalfe says Ruakaka Surf Lifesaving Club members attended the scene and searched the area with a jetski, but were unable to locate the man.
Police were also alerted and a search for the man began using two fixed wing aircraft, the Northland Rescue Electricity Helicopter, Whangarei Coastguard, Ruakaka and Waipu Surf Lifesaving clubs along with Police Search and Rescue staff.
The man’s family who were at the beach also assisted with the search.
The search began again this morning at 8am and includes a fixed wing aircraft, Police Search and Rescue staff, volunteers from the surf lifesaving clubs, and the man’s family members.
For media inquiries contact Northland Police Communications Manager Sarah Kennett on 09 945 4650 or 021 192 1099