Search for missing boat moves to Pitt Island

The search for missing fishing vessel the Mi Jay and its three crew members shifted today to Pitt Island, south of Chatham Island.

A search yesterday of the Chatham Island coast failed to find any trace of the missing fishermen who have not been heard from since leaving Nelson on November 22.

The Mi Jay, a 13m steel fishing boat skippered by 52-year-old Paul Rees, carried high frequency radio gear and two emergency beacons but has not been heard from since leaving port.

Rescue Co-ordination Centre NZ spokeswoman Heidi Brook said today's shoreline search would be carried out on foot and using fishing vessels.

It was thought that if anything was found on Chatham or Pitt Islands it would be a liferaft, she said.

The future of the search was due to be assessed tomorrow.

Late last week the search area changed from the top half of the South Island's east coast to the Chatham Islands after suggestions from Mr Rees' former employer he may have gone there to fish.

- NZPA