Mr Tracey's aunty, Colleen Tracey, told the Bay of Plenty Times she had hoped there would be news after yesterday's search.
"I just wish that something could be found. It's terrible not knowing what happened."
She had heard about the police dog search on the radio and thought there must have been some news of Mr Tracey.
"I thought well it sounds as if they had found something one way or another, but I haven't been told anything because I'm in Cambridge."
Mr Tracey's sisters, who did not live in Tauranga, were regularly visiting Mr Tracey's father, who was based in Mount Maunganui.
"His sisters are helping out. They've been very good, out walking around the beach when they've gone over.
"[Mr Tracey] and his father were very close."
On Sunday, Jack's parents Karen Spargo and Wayne Dixon said there was not a day that went by where they did not think of Jack. "To date, the support from family, friends and the wider community has helped us to survive these last 18 days, and all we ask is that you continue to be there for us, and that you continue to help us try and find our boy.
"Our thoughts are also with the families going through the similar experience as ours."
Inspector Karl Wright-St Clair said a police dog team yesterday spent about four-and-a-half hours carrying out a search of the area from first light, but without success. "We are satisfied we have now completed a very thorough search of the area and there is nothing untoward."
Stephen Tracey
• Mount Maunganui man Stephen Michael Tracey, 37, was last seen by family in Mount Maunganui on September 27 about 5pm.
• Police said he was seen on the beach by someone who knew him, about 6pm, near Leisure Island.
• Family said although Mr Tracey regularly walked up and around Mt Maunganui and along the beach between the Mount and Papamoa, not returning was out of character.
• Mr Tracey was of medium build and about 183cm tall.
Jack Dixon
• Jack was swept out to sea by a wave from Shelly Beach on October 1.
• His grandmother and an aunt were with him at the time, as were two cousins also caught by the wave but who managed to scramble to safety.
• Jack turned 5 in September and his parents have spoken of his fondness for bikes, Lego and rugby.
• Police suspended the search for Jack 10 days after he went missing.
