Second fisherman's body found in Kaikoura

Two fishermen have died off the Kaikoura coast.

The body of a second fisherman who had been missing since a boat capsized off the Kaikoura coastline yesterday morning has been recovered.

The body of Auguste Robin Reinke, 79, was recovered in Whaler's Bay shortly before 11am today, not far from where his companion Ronald Clarence Monk, 75, was found yesterday morning.

Police said the body was spotted from the air and recovered by the Police Dive Squad.

The matter has been referred to the Coroner and Victim Support is assisting the families of the dead.

More than 20 people, boats, a fixed wing aircraft and a helicopter were involved in yesterday's search for Mr Reinke, after the body of Mr Monk was found on the shoreline near their upturned boat yesterday morning.

The pair set off in an almost 5 metre boat about 7am yesterday to check crayfish pots.

About 8.15am another boat found their semi-submerged vessel in Whaler's Bay, near Kaikoura, police said.

Yesterday the dive squad located a number of items from the boat and these have been taken for further examination.

The boat was towed to shore yesterday afternoon and would be examined by police investigators and Maritime New Zealand.