Search for missing fishing vessel resumes in Chathams

A flotilla of fishing vessels took to sea at first light in the Chatham Islands today, to resume the search for the fishing boat Mi Jay and its three-man crew not heard of for two weeks.

The boats are combing an area left unexplored yesterday when an air search was abandoned because of bad weather.

Rescue Coordination Centre NZ (RCCNZ) spokeswoman Heidi Brook told NZPA today the boats would complete the search of the southern part of the Chathams, backed up by a land search by local police.

"After that we'll review it and decide on the next steps."

The search for the missing boat resumed yesterday following information from colleagues of Mi Jay's crew that the fishing boat may have headed for the Chathams.

The 13m boat, which departed from Nelson on November 22, was initially thought to be bound for the Kaikoura area. The boat's skipper, Paul Rees, 52, is said to be an experienced fisherman. The other two crew have not been named.

The fishing vessel had enough fuel to last until this weekend, but hopes of finding the boat and its three crew are fading fast.

"As each day goes by we are obviously getting more and more concerned, as are the families," Ms Brook said yesterday morning.

- NZPA