The man lauded for his bravery after jumping into a raging sea to try to rescue two students in the tragic accident near New Plymouth taught at NorthTec for two years.
Bryce John Jourdain, 42, and Stephen Kahukaka-Gedye and Joao Felipe Martins De Melo, both 17, went missing during a climbing expedition at Paritutu Rock on Wednesday afternoon.
The teenagers fell into the water and Mr Jourdain dived in to try to save them.
Incident controller Inspector Frank Grant said yesterday afternoon that the search for the trio was now focused on body recovery.
Mr Jourdain taught at NorthTec for 2 years as a Sport and Recreation Outdoor Recreation Tutor, until late last year. He was highly regarded by colleagues and students alike and his act of bravery comes as no surprise.