Canterbury Police are leading a SAR operation to locate three men believed to have been onboard a fishing vessel which made a distress call at around 4.30am this morning, 12 nautical miles from the Rakaia River mouth.
Senior Constable Paul Beaver says conditions on site are severe with high seas and strong winds. "A sea and aerial search has been ongoing since 6.30am and a life raft and emergency locator beacon have been located. However neither the vessel, F.V. Jubilee, or any crew have been located at this time."
So far two Coastguard vessels, three commercial vessels, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and a fixed wing search plane have assisted in the search. NZ Police Dive Squad are currently on route to assist in an underwater search for the missing vessel.
"Police are continuing the search for the crewmen but urge the public to stay away from the area due to the dangerous conditions in the area today" explained Senior Constable Beaver.
No further details of the missing crew will be released at this time.
Due to operational commitments Senior Constable Beaver is not currently available to undertake any interviews.
A further update will be provided in the next couple of hours or earlier if the situation changes.
ENDS
Issued by: Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police