Search for manned boat in Marlborough Sounds

h Police are seeking information from the public about a 9 metre aluminium boat that has left Erie Bay in the Marlborough Sounds.

A 55 year old local man is onboard the vessel and at this stage Police have no idea what his intentions were when he departed Erie Bay about 4pm on Saturday 8 March.

The harbourmaster and commercial vessels have searched the Marlborough Sounds and at this stage it appears the vessel has left the Sounds area, however its intended destination is unknown. Today Police intend to begin an aerial search.

Police say the behaviour is out of character for the man onboard the boat. He is an experienced seaman and weather and sea conditions have been good.

The aluminium boat has a hard top which is painted white and it has a blue stripe along the side. It has an inboard diesel engine and has fuel tanks capable of taking it an extensive distance. The boat is called Erie.

Police would like to speak with anyone who has seen this vessel or anyone who has information that may help locate it.

Anyone with information relevant to this search should call Blenheim Police Ph 03 578 5279.

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