A small dinghy used by a man who fell into the Whangarei Harbour and drowned while fishing has been discovered by police, tied to a buoy where the fisherman was last seen.
A post mortem has revealed Raymond Tiki drowned. His body was found by a member of the public at the end of Scott Rd, near Tamaterau, about 10am on Tuesday, with his arm looped through a life jacket. Onerahi community Constable Aaron Furze said the dinghy was found yesterday, tied to a buoy about 300 metres offshore at Waikaraka, about 6km away from where Mr Tiki was discovered.
Mr Furze enlisted the help of local electrician Russell Blomquest, who volunteered his boat for the search and recovery, and they towed the dinghy ashore about 8.30am. Finding the boat had enabled police to rule out foul play. However, the dinghy was in poor condition and not seaworthy.
The dinghy, fishing rod and other items washed ashore, including a tackle box, torch and oars, were returned to his family. The tragedy served as a reminder to those fishing on the harbour, Mr Furze said.
"You need to be wearing a life jacket whether you are a good swimmer or not."
