Detective Sergeant Dave Kennelly, SAR, Invercargill Police

The search phase for two fishermen who went missing off rocks at the bottom at Slope Point near Bluff last month is in the process of winding down.

Yesterday 80 people conducted a coast line search between Waipapa Point and Waikawa Harbour.

Unfortunately the search was not successful and the decision has been made to withdraw the formal search teams.

If new information comes to our attention, Police will follow up, however Search and Rescue teams have been stood down as of today.

Police are continuing to provide support to the families of the missing fishermen, Shaun Orchard and Hendrix Kamo.

We offer our condolences to their families and friends at this difficult time.

Police would like to acknowledge and thank the volunteers and staff who have been involved in the search to date.

A large number of water crafts were deployed including rescue helicopters, swimmers, Coastguard and the Bluff Harbour pilot vessel the Takitimu.

We also wish to thank the Catlins water rescue teams, and the southern regional LandSAR groups.

Police would also like to acknowledge the Slope Point community for their assistance in this operation, and the Tokonui LandSAR Management Team.

Although we appreciate these teams for their commitment and dedication to finding these two men, we are obviously disappointed that we cannot bring closure to the families of Mr Orchard and Mr Kamo.

The matter will now be referred to the coroner.

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