Search continues off New Plymouth

A further shoreline and marine search is underway in New Plymouth today for the three people missing off Paritutu Rock since Wednesday afternoon.

Incident Controller Inspector Frank Grant says around 50 searchers from Police, Land SAR, Army Territorials and Red Cross are completing a further shoreline search.

"We also have some Taranaki Surf Lifesaving inflatable rescue boats (IRBs) out on the water again today. They attempted to go into parts of the cave area underneath Paritutu Rock, however the water conditions were too rough which has made it difficult to search this area today."

The Air Force Iroquois did a further aerial search along the coastline from New Plymouth to Opunake, before departing the area.

"Sadly, we have still not recovered the bodies of Bryce Jourdain, Stephen Kahukaka-Gedye or Felipe Melo but we will continue searching throughout the course of the weekend. Our focus remains on returning the bodies of Bryce, Stephen and Felipe home to their loved ones."

Inspector Grant says a number of volunteers are also conducting their own searches along the coastline today.

"The support from the New Plymouth community has been huge over the past few days. Again, we'd like to thank all of the volunteers and organisations who have assisted us so far."

ENDS

© Scoop Media