"Search for missing fisherman at Bethells Beach - update"

Please attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Callum McNeill, Waitemata Police.

Police searching for missing fisherman Myung Kang have located some of his belongings washed up on the beach at O'Neills Bay.

The 57-year-old Korean man went missing at Bethells Beach on Saturday January 5th.

Search and Rescue teams, life guards and the Police helicopter have been searching the wider area to find him since his family reported him missing on Sunday evening.

Detective Senior Sergeant Callum McNeill says Police have now discovered some of Mr Kang’s personal items, including clothing and a fishing bag, washed up on the shore of O'Neills Bay.

“We have also had several people contact us reporting sightings of Mr Kang over the weekend, and based on this evidence, the indications are that he has gone into the water.”

“Sadly, we believe this is now a recovery operation.”

The land search for Mr Kang has been scaled back, but aerial searches over the coastal area with the Police helicopter will continue over the next few days.

“We want to thank everyone who has come forward with information and sightings of Mr Kang”.

“As the public can appreciate this is a very hard time for his family and we are doing all we can to help them and find him.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Waitemata Police on 09 839 0697.

ENDS

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