Kaipara tragedy: Father-of-three named as sixth victim

Flowers at the base of the flag pole at the Kaipara Cruising ans Sportfishing Club in Helensville to honour the drowned fishermen. Photo / Jason Oxenham

A Cook Island father-of-three who hailed from an island renown for fishing has been named by family as one of the victims of Saturday's water tragedy.

Fred Marsters is being mourned by the close-knit community both in Auckland and the Cook Islands where he grew up.

A public bereavement notice has appeared on Facebook posted by family announcing his passing.

The Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopters at the scene of the Kaipara Harbour boat tragedy. Photo / Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust

Consul General Rosie Blake said the dead fisherman came from the smallest island in the Cook archipelago where its inhabitants were famed for their fishing prowess.

"They are men of the sea," she said.

The Francie charter boat capsized today in the Kaipara Harbour. Photo / Facebook

Blake said everyone had been hoping for a miracle in the hours after reports some on board the stricken vessel had been rescued. Sadly it proved to be the worst possible outcome.

"It's just sending shockwaves through the country and Auckland," said Blake.

"It's hitting everyone very hard."

His wife Ann had been left distraught and family were now gathered at his home in Papatoetoe.

Marsters is being remembered as a kind and good man.

Blake said a public memorial service was being planned for this Sunday for all the victims of the weekend tragedy.

It would take place at the Enuamanu Hall in Mangere.

"It's so the community can show their respects to the Pacific sons who have lost their lives."