Friends devastated yachtie's body still missing

A man is missing on Lake Wanaka. Photo / File

Friends OF missing yachtie Trevor Hawke are devastated his body is still missing, more than a week after he fell over board on Lake Wanaka.

Sailor Geoff Dickey said he felt more frustrated with every day that passed without any signs of his friend.

"There's zero current at the bottom, they've done all the tests to show that, and it's only 20 to 60 metres deep in the area," he said.

Hawke, 70, was sailing with a friend nine days ago when the yacht lurched unexpectedly. Police said Hawke fell into the water and disappeared. He was wearing a life jacket but it was not inflated.

His companion circled the area looking for Hawke and was said to be distressed by what had happened.

Specialist sonar equipment was now being used by Search and Rescue teams on the water. They were yesterday going over the same ground once again, Dickey said.

"It's been a huge week, it very tough for us all. The boat's out there as we speak, but there has been no news."

He added family and friends were continuing to search the shoreline.

Hawke was a founding member of the Wanaka Yacht Club and regularly took young sailors out on the water for lessons.

"He was very fit and healthy. He covered all roles in the club and was still fishing, still sailing, still hunting."

The club's Thursday night races were last week held in Hawke's honour.