A rāhui has been put in place as Police efforts enter another day in the search for a missing fisherman who encountered trouble off the coast of Raglan Tuesday this week.
The man, who was fishing alone, reportedly experienced a medical emergency prompting a distress call via Maritime Radio Tuesday morning. Subsequently, he activated his emergency locator beacon, triggering a coordinated response from multiple rescue units.
Coastguard Raglan volunteers and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter swiftly mobilised, locating the fisherman's boat unoccupied and anchored approximately 8 nautical miles off the Raglan coast. The search effort expanded with the addition of resources such as the Police Eagle Helicopter and Coastguard Air Patrol. However, despite exhaustive searches conducted both on water and from the air, the missing individual has yet to be located.
On behalf of the local hapū, a decision has been made to implement a rāhui in respect of the individual and whānau involved. This rāhui encompasses an area stretching from the harbour mouth southward to Papanui Point, northward to Tauterei Stream, and extending westward out to the 10-mile mark.
“An ongoing search is in place. Please refrain from fishing in the area. The rāhui will remain in place until further notice. Tēnā koutou katoa. Be well. Keep safe,” said local Kaumatua Sean Ellison in a pānui to the Raglan Notice Board.
As the search enters another day, the Police National Dive Squad is set to join the operation, intensifying efforts to locate the missing fisherman.
In acknowledgment of the unfolding situation regarding the missing fisherman off the coast, “I extend greetings and heartfelt condolences to all,” said Sergeant Warren Shaw from Waikato Search and Rescue
“Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time.”
Police would also like to hear from anyone who saw the man fishing on Tuesday or anyone with information that may be able to assist in locating him. Please contact Police on 105 or online at 105.police.govt.nz, using ‘Update report’. Please reference the event number P058513589.