Missing diver found dead in Far North

The diver went missing at Waihihi Bay in the Bay of Islands (pictured). Photo / 123rf

The body of a diver missing in a popular Far North bay was found after a massive search effort involving 18 private boats.

The man was reported missing at Waihihi Bay, near Russell in the Bay of Islands, about 6.40pm on Thursday.

Eighteen vessels joined in the extensive search for the diver, which was led by Coastguard Bay of Islands volunteers aboard Kokako Rescue.

Unit president Ayden Armitage was on one of the private boats that went to help look for the diver.

He said there were only a couple of hours of daylight left when the search began but conditions were already “quite dark” due to the overcast day.

The boats searched for the man around rocks, the shoreline, and deeper water amid the outgoing tide. There was a slight swell and light northerly breeze at the time.

Armitage said after about two hours, the diver’s body was found underwater and retrieved by helicopter.

The area where the diver went missing, south of Tapeka Point, was a popular spot for diving and fishing.

Armitage praised Coastguard Bay of Islands volunteers aboard Kokako Rescue for their “outstanding job” coordinating the successful search.

He said they were on the scene within half an hour of receiving the report about the missing diver, and using their knowledge and resources were able to trace where the diver may have gone given the drift in the water. The team were able to direct the helicopter to search the correct location.

A helicopter was brought in to help search for a diver missing at Waihihi Bay in the Far North.

Armitage also expressed a great appreciation for the private vessels that assisted the search.

“We’ve been able to bring him home for his family to get closure,” Armitage said. “Our condolences go out to family and friends of the diver.”

Far North Area Commander Inspector Riki Whiu, on behalf of police who were involved in the search, said their thoughts were also with the man’s family at this time.

Armitage reminded people to give rescue teams space to operate after a boat continued to get underneath the helicopter as they tried to operate despite clear instructions to move away.

The man’s death will be referred to the Coroner.