Missing Boatie recovered from Lake Wanaka

The body of 70 year old Trevor Hawke has been recovered from Lake Wanaka, ten days after falling from his boat whilst sailing with a friend.

Police SAR Coordinator Senior Constable Emma Fleming said that extensive searching by sonar teams had located Mr. Hawke's body less than 1km south of Eely Point at a depth of 47 metres.

A Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) and Police dive team successfully recovered the body from the lake today.

"This has been a tragic loss for the Hawke family and it is a relief to be able to return Trevor to his family and friends. I would like to thank them for their patience and support of the search operation during this anxious time".

Senior Constable Fleming also acknowledged the assistance of the community that helped during the search, including the efforts of the Wanaka Yacht Club members, Wanaka Coastguard, Simon Stewart and Lakeland Adventures and the witnesses and members of the public who had been so forthcoming with information and offers of support.

She also acknowledged the multiple agencies that contributed to the search - the Navy Mines Countermeasure Team, the NIWA ROV operator and the Police Dive Squad.

The matter has now been referred to the Coroner.

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