Police reveal dead Tauranga fisherman was Otumoetai family man

The body of fisherman Laine Richard Kelly was found northwest of Karewa Island on Wednesday. Photo / John Borren

The man who died while fishing this week has been identified as Laine Richard Kelly of Otumoetai. His body, supported by a life jacket, was found floating northwest of Karewa Island shortly after midday on Wednesday, 24 hours after he was due back from a morning's fishing trip.

Tauranga Senior Sergeant Ian Campion said Kelly, 60, was an experienced fisherman.

Kelly's occupation was listed in the electoral roll as electronics. His address was Freyberg St, Otumoetai, with wife Donna, a diversion therapist who worked with the elderly. Donna Kelly's Facebook page said they married in 1978 and had three children.

Campion said police were now looking for Kelly's 3m aluminium boat, which has a small overhead canopy and centre console.

"Police would welcome sightings of the boat."

A chilly bin and lid were found in the search area on Wednesday but Campion would not confirm to the Bay of Plenty Times whether they came from the boat.

Campion said police received a report that a boat matching the description of Kelly's was seen near the Port of Tauranga's "A" buoy - about 4.6km north-east of Mauao. The search began there but the sighting was later discounted.

Campion was unable to confirm that Kelly had set out to fish around Karewa Island.

Police were grateful to the Coastguard and volunteers who supported the policesearch. Four aircraft took part.
Members of Kelly's family were not involved in the search itself but provided information.

His death would be referred to the coroner.