14 August 2009: 4.00pm
The Director of Maritime New Zealand has formally suspended the search for a vessel reported missing near the Hen and Chickens islands south east of Whangarei, in the absence of any further information following a Mayday call made early today.
Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) search and rescue mission co-ordinator Mike Roberts said the rescue response was launched after a mayday call was received around 1.30am from someone saying they were taking on water on board a vessel called the East Coaster. The call sparked a major search and rescue operation involving several aircraft, the warship Pukaki, and a Coastguard vessel.
Mr Roberts said comprehensive searching in deteriorating weather conditions had failed to locate any sign of the missing vessel.
Calls from concerned members of the public to RCCNZ regarding the incident had all been checked out and eliminated, he said. In the meantime, Police were continuing to investigate the incident, including the possibility that the call may have been a hoax.
“The search vessels and aircraft involved have also carried out an extensive search, so if there was any trace of the vessel, wreckage, or anyone in the water, then we are extremely confident they would have been found by now.”
Mr Roberts said RCCNZ and Police would still like to hear from anyone who may have information regarding the vessel or its owners.
Media note: No further updates will be provided as the search and rescue operation has now concluded. Media will however be advised if any new information comes to light.
For further information contact:
RCCNZ Media Line
Phone 04 499 7318
