Police dive squad resumes search for missing fisherman in Haast

The search for missing fisherman Kieran Lynch, of Greymouth, has resumed today. Photo taken from Facebook.

The Police National Dive Squad have returned to a boat wreckage in Haast this morning in the hopes of finding missing fisherman Kieran Lynch.

Lynch, 22, has not been seen since September 14 after fishing boat the Wendy J sank near Smooth Water Bay.

The Wendy J was said to have run aground on the rocky South Westland coast while trying to shelter from a vicious storm.

Sergeant Matt Tailby, of Greymouth Police, said the search of the wreckage would resume now weather conditions have improved.

Police hope they will be able to dive the unexplored stern portion of the wreck that was previously inaccessible.

The Greymouth fishing boat the Wendy J sank in Smooth Water Bay in Haast on September 16.

"The divers will be attempting to locate Mr Lynch, as well as conducting an examination of the vessel," Tailby said.

The search is expected to take some time, as the wreck is resting at a depth of about 25m.

The search for three men aboard the Wendy J began on the morning of September 16 after a light plane spotted debris and a life raft on the water near Jackson Bay about 11.30am and contacted emergency services.

A helicopter scoured the area and spotted a man on a rock near Teer Creek about 2.40pm. The rescued man, later identified as Mark Thomas, was transported to Greymouth Hospital in a stable condition.

The Police National Dive Squad recovered a further body three days later, on September 19, which was identified as 43-year-old Jay Cairney, of Greymouth.

Further searches to locate Lynch after this date were suspended due to high seas and bad weather.

An earlier statement from Lynch's family thanked police and SAR volunteers for giving up their time and using their valuable knowledge.

"We are very grateful for their continued efforts."

Tailby said police were continuing to provide support to the families affected by the tragedy.

"We are hopeful that we can find Mr Lynch and return him to his family."