Statement to be attributed to Inspector Mark Fergus, Waitemata Police
Last night the Police Eagle Helicopter conducted further aerial sweeps of the coastline and up around the Kaipara Harbour, in the search for Mr Taulagi Afamasaga.
Sadly, Mr Afamasaga is the last remaining fisherman unaccounted for, after the “Francie” capsized on Saturday. An extensive air and land search has been underway since that time.
We have reached the point where there is no further information to support the continuation of an air and land search, and the formal search and rescue operation will be suspended today at midday. We have also consulted with specialists, including medical specialists, and sadly we have now well passed the survivability expectations in the conditions. If we receive any new or additional information that could allow us to search the shoreline further by land or air, it will be assessed and we will look to act on it.
The decision to formally suspend the Search and Rescue operation is not one that is made lightly. It is a formal process that is subject to independent review, to ensure that all possible search options have been exhausted.
Activity is continuing to find the “Francie” boat, and based on our investigations over the past few days, we believe we have narrowed down the area that the capsize occurred. We intend to conduct aerial searches, and subject to weather conditions, possibly some underwater or sub-surface searching. We will not be in a position to provide further details of the water search until tomorrow, when we have met with experts and discussed the options. The tides, currents and sea conditions in the area where the boat capsized are notoriously difficult.
Finally and most importantly, we have spoken with Mr Afamasaga’s family about the search and the next steps. We still hope to be able to return Mr Afamasaga to his family and we continue to support them through this terrible time.
ENDS
Beth Bates/NZ Police