Sealord confirms the search for missing crewman will not be continued

At approximately 16:00 today Maritime New Zealand advised Sealord the search for a crewman missing from FV Otakou since mid-morning yesterday (11th October), will not be continued.

The search had been led by the Rescue Coordination Centre under Maritime New Zealand. Deteriorating weather conditions in the area have contributed to this decision.

Maritime New Zealand suspended their search at approximately 20:00 yesterday. Two Sealord vessels remained in the area searching until the early hours of today when weather conditions made it unsafe to continue.

Next of kin have been notified and Sealord confirm the missing crewman is Patahi Rewi Hawaikirangi Kawana Jnr, 25, from the Hawkes Bay. Patahi was a deckhand and crew member on FV Otakou for just over two and a half years.

Sealord is deeply saddened by this tragic event and extends their sympathy and support to the family and friends of Patahi, crew of Otakou and Sealord staff.

Sealord has begun its own internal investigation.

ENDS

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