Police speak to crew of returned yacht

Rex Fearon. Photo / Supplied

Police have spoken to the crew of the yacht Wild Goose after it arrived in the Bay of Islands today, without crewman Rex Fearon, who fell overboard in Rarotongan waters.

Police and Customs investigators met and investigated the yacht as it berthed at Opua Marina. They interviewed the two remaining sailors, Detective Senior Sergeant Rhys Johnston said.

The sailors said Mr Fearon fell overboard about 150 nautical miles, or about 280km, from Rarotonga. He is believed drowned although his body has not yet been recovered.

His death will be referred to the coroner.

Mr Fearon's next of kin have travelled to the Bay of Islands and intend to conduct a karakia on the yacht.

An RNZAF Orion and a container ship search failed to find 41-year-old Mr Fearon after it was reported on November 4 that he had fallen overboard. He was not wearing a life jacket.

Searchers were initially hopeful that they would find Mr Fearon alive, given relatively warm water temperature and good visibility. However, after more than 24 hours his chances of survival were drastically reduced.

- NZPA