In today's headlines with Wilhelmina Shrimpton, investigations into horror crash continue, Wellignton looking at beam e-scooter issues and Oasis are back together.
The man has been missing since late yesterday afternoon when the small vessel he was on sank.
A survivor of the boat that capsized in the Manukau Harbour raised the alarm that someone was missing after a treacherous swim to shore in large swells.
The other man is yet to be located.
Land Search and Rescue staff have been on Puketutu Island, searching its coastline and interiors for the missing man, while two Coastguard vessels have been searching the water surrounding the island.
The police Eagle helicopter has completed two extensive sweeps of the island and the wider Manukau Harbour area.
On social media, Auckland Manurewa-Papakura ward councillor Daniel Newman expressed his gratitude to the Papakura Coastguard volunteers who searched.
“The Papakura crew joined Titirangi Coastguard, Auckland Airport hovercraft and the Westpac Rescue Waikato helicopter as they searched for four hours to locate a missing person. Unfortunately, our emergency services were unsuccessful and they were stood down late last night,” he said.
“I am profoundly sorry to the family of the missing person. I thank our first responders for their efforts, our community thanks you all.”
Police resumed their search this morning after the alarm was raised yesterday evening.
“The search will resume today on air, sea, and land, with police search and rescue staff conducting land-based searches on Puketutu Island,” a police spokesperson said.
“Police have also deployed the Eagle helicopter to assist with aerial searches.”
The spokesperson said the search was focussed around Puketutu Island.
Last night, a Coastguard spokeswoman said water conditions were “challenging due to swell and darkness”.
The search will resume this morning after being called off last night.
The alert was raised with police after the pair got into trouble just before 6pm.
Three Coastguard vessels were on the water searching, including Coastguard Titirangi and Coastguard Papakura. The Herald understands the Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter was also involved.
The search was concentrated near Auckland Airport but went as far as the Manukau Heads and the eastern bays such as Laingholm.
The Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter was circling the Manukau Harbour in Auckland looking for a missing boatie on Tuesday evening. Photo / Flightradar24
Auckland International Airport’s hovercraft was also on the water.
