MEDIA RELEASE (4)
Date: Tuesday 17 August 2004

Update on Iron Maiden search

Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) continues to coordinate the search for a crewman missing from the fishing boat Iron Maiden that came to grief off Cape Reinga last night.

- The RNZAF Orion that was working in the area has now returned to Whenuapai Air Base.

- The NIWA vessel Tangaroa continues to search the area.

- Two fishing boats, the Brac and the Glory Days have now left the area.

- A third fishing boat, the St Paul, has arrived in the area and joined the search.

- A helicopter is working in conjunction with five land based SAR teams coordinated by Police to search the coastline along Ninety-Mile Beach.

- Weather conditions in the area are worsening with heavy rain and a heavy swell present.

An update will be sent when further information comes to hand.

ENDS