Two Northland fishermen remain missing despite ongoing search efforts from land, air and sea today.
Police said the pair went fishing yesterday afternoon and were due home to family in Whangārei by 11pm.
They were reported missing just after midnight, and the last known contact with the men occurred around 4pm.
A spokesperson said police attended the area they were last known to be after the emergency call was made.
“Their vehicle — along with some personal belongings on the beach area — were located.”
Additional resources were called in to help with the search. The Police Air Support Unit, Eagle, deployed from Auckland overnight and arrived after 3am to conduct aerial searches of the shoreline.
Coastguard Tutukaka also was also deployed for shoreline searches.
“Six volunteers onboard conducted searches between Taiharuru Bay and Awahoa Bay, along with an area north of McGregors Bay.”
Search efforts continued today with added support from LandSAR volunteers.
“Despite these ongoing efforts, both fisherman remain unaccounted for and search efforts will continue.”
Police said it would continue to assess the situation and call on assistance from additional resources and agencies as appropriate.
“Police are also keeping in contact with the men’s families to provide them with updates and our thoughts remain with them at this time.”