Missing fisherman confirmed dead

The body of a missing fisherman in Tauranga has been found this morning. File photo

Tauranga Police have now confirmed that the body recovered off the Matapihi Peninsula early this morning is that of the missing fisherman from last night.

Police earlier called off the search for the man after a body was discovered by a member of the public this morning.

Tauranga Police said the body was found near the Matapihi rail bridge just after 7am today.

The man, who went missing after a dinghy capsized on Tauranga Harbour last night, is Moses Vahai of Merivale aged 55.

Another man from the boat made it safely back to shore last night.

Neither of the men were wearing lifejackets, Police search and rescue co-ordinator Sergeant Craig Madden said.

Sergeant Madden said it was unfortunate the search ended with the loss of a life and it was imperative that anyone on the water wore a lifejacket.

Inquiries are continuing to identify the body and cause of death, Police said.

The accident happened in the upper harbour, between the Matapihi Peninsula and Welcome Bay, after the man and a friend were returning from setting nets at the Maungatapu estuary.

Senior Sergeant Rob Glencross of Tauranga Police said weather conditions were calm at the time of the accident.

Police last night scoured the shore while the Tauranga Coastguard searched the harbour, but they were unable to find the man.

A search using night vision goggles and a search light was also unable to find the man, TrustPower TECT rescue helicopter spokesman Liam Brettkelly said.

- NZ Herald Online/ Newstalk ZB / APNZ