Missing West Coast boatie: Search to resume for Kieran Lynch

Kieran Lynch, 22, was still unaccounted for when the search was suspended last Thursday. Photo / Greymouth Star

Another search will be made for the young Greymouth fisherman presumed drowned when the Wendy J sank in rough seas near Jackson Bay 12 days ago.

Kieran Lynch, 22, was still unaccounted for when the search was suspended last Thursday. Divers found the body of his fellow crewman Jay Cairney, 43, near the wreck at Smoothwater Bay.

Their skipper, Mark Thomas, survived the sinking by clinging to a life ring. He was found 8km to the south.

The funeral for Cairney was held in Greymouth yesterday.

Sergeant Andy Lyes, of Greymouth police, said yesterday the search for Lynch would resume, but it could be a couple of weeks before conditions were safe for the police dive team to return.

Skipper Mark Thomas with the Wendy J. Photo / Supplied

"When the weather clears they will be back. They will make another attempt to find Mr Lynch, but at the moment everything is on hold," Lyes said.

The sea where the Wendy J sank was like "pea soup" at the best of times.

"The divers need a week of fine weather before they can even think about going back. We need the weather to clear before it will be looked at again."

Meanwhile, friends of both victims have set up Givealittle pages.

Funds are being raised for Cairney's family to help cover costs of the celebration of his life, while another page aims to support Lynch's partner and their 7-week-old daughter. The money will be used to help with a memorial service and to cover the baby's needs.

- Greymouth Star