Family and partner of lost yachtie thank searchers

The family and partner of missing yachtsman Paul Janse van Rensburg have thanked all those involved in the search for him, after he apparently fell overboard nearly halfway into his journey.

Mr Janse van Rensburg left Tauranga Harbour on his 11m steel-hulled yacht Tafadzwa early on March 12, bound for Gisborne, where he was to start a new job. He never arrived.

A three-day search failed to find him, then on March 28 his yacht was sighted by chance 110km off the Chatham Islands.

There was no sign of South African-born Mr Janse van Rensburg but his dog Juanita was alive on board.

Mr Janse van Rensburg's parents, Martin and Angela, his sister Bridget and brother Gerry, who flew from South Africa and the United States, released a statement yesterday with his partner, Kristen Duirs, thanking all those who helped to look for him.

They thanked the Rescue Co-ordination Centre NZ for the initial search.

"We are grateful to all those who worked on the 'Let's find Paul' website and who held hope until the last. We wish to thank everyone who supported their efforts."

They also thanked the Chatham Islands police and community for their generosity, kindness and help.

"Everywhere we have turned, Paul's friends and others who did not even know him personally have opened their homes and showed kindness and generosity in so many ways.

"We will not list people personally but do want to express our gratitude."

The family said they were now working towards bringing Tafadzwa back to the mainland. Juanita was in good health and living with Ms Duirs.

Rescue centre spokeswoman Sophie Hazelhurst said the organisation had finished its inquiries into Mr Janse van Rensburg's disappearance.

"Unfortunately nothing conclusive could be drawn from the limited evidence available to Maritime NZ."

GPS equipment on board showed only the last 39km of the yacht's journey - as it was being towed into Wainui Harbour in the Chatham Islands.

Police will continue to investigate Mr Janse van Rensburg's disappearance.

- NZPA