Search for missing sailor suspended
15 June 2016 - 2.30pm

The Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) has suspended the search for the sailor lost overboard from the yacht Platino on Monday morning, 550km north of New Zealand.

The man, in his 60s, is understood to have been relatively lightly clothed and not wearing a lifejacket.

An RNZAF P3 Orion aircraft was on the scene within 90 minutes of the incident but despite searching over two days no sign has been found of the missing man.

RCCNZ search and rescue mission coordinator Ramon Davis said the decision to suspend the search was taken only after a full review of the search operation.

“At this point, we are satisfied that we have taken all possible steps to find the missing man – but sadly we have found no trace of him. Expert advice indicates the maximum survival time for a person in the water in this area has now been exceeded. We have therefore made a decision to suspend the search,” Mr Davis said.

“This is obviously an extremely difficult time for the family and our thoughts are with them.”

RCCNZ has issued a notice to ships travelling through the area to be on the lookout for the man.

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