"Search continues for missing man - Kauri Point Wharf, Bay of Plenty"

Police divers with assistance from the Royal New Zealand Navy's Mines Counter Measures team from the Devonport Naval Base will continue the search this afternoon for Peato Samele Ilalio who has been missing since around 3pm Thursday 2nd January.

Ilalio, 40, went missing after jumping off the Kauri Point wharf near Katikati in the Bay of Plenty, to retrieve a fishing rod after he thought he had a stingray on his line. After being towed into deeper water, Mr Ilalio has gotten into difficulty and disappeared about 200 metres from the wharf.

Previous searches by Police, the coastguard, a rescue helicopter, Waihi Beach Coast Guard personnel and members of the public in their boats had failed to find him. Tauranga Police would like to thank those organisations and individuals who have provided their assistance over the past couple of days in searching for Mr Ilalio.

Mr Ilalio’s family will continue to be supported by Police at this difficult time and kept informed of any development in the search.

Please note there will be no further media updates until there is a significant development in the search.

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