Canterbury Police SAR can confirm that the Royal New Zealand Navy’s diving support vessel, the HMNZS MANAWANUI, returned to Akaroa late last night after a second day searching the wreck of the FV Jubilee.
Sergeant Phil Simmonds says members of the Royal New Zealand Navy’s Operational Diving Team (ODT) completed the search of the wreck yesterday and recovered another body of a man. “Formal identification has yet to be completed but Police believe it is that of the third crewman understood to have been on board the FV Jubilee when she sank.”
The death has been referred to the Coroner.
“Unfortunately Police will not be in a position to confirm the identities of the three men recovered from the wreck until later on this afternoon at the earliest and urge the media to respect the privacy of the families of the missing crew and their crew’s colleagues while this process is completed” explained Sergeant Phil Simmonds.
The Ship’s Bell and lifebuoy were also recovered by members of the ODT before the HMNZS MANAWANUI left the dive site yesterday afternoon.
“Canterbury Police would like to acknowledge the ongoing support, professionalism and respect of everyone involved in the multi-agency SAR operation including the Royal New Zealand Navy, NZ Police Dive Squad, Canterbury Police SAR, Maritime New Zealand, Coastguard, RCCNZ, Westpac Rescue Helicopter and the vessels of opportunity who responded to the initial Mayday call on Sunday 18 October 2015.”
“On each occasion those on board the diving support vessel HMNZS MANAWANUI performed a ‘Piping of the Side’ when the men’s bodies were recovered from the sea and joined members of Canterbury Police to form a ‘Guard of Honour’ when their bodies were carried to shore” explained Sergeant Simmonds.
Police are in close contact with the families of the missing crew and the owner of the FV Jubilee. They will be updated prior to any further information on yesterday’s recovery operation being released to the media or public.
Media note: An audio file of Sergeant Simmonds verbalising this release is available by texting the Canterbury District Communications Manager on 021 942 404. Unfortunately due to operational commitments Sergeant Simmonds is not able to undertake any interviews at this time.
ENDS
Issued by: Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police