RNZAF to help search for missing boatie

A family desperately searching for one of their own lost at sea have succeeded in gaining help from the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

Tauranga man Peter Blair has this afternoon confirmed an Orion will assist in the private search for his brother William "Kerry" Blair after five days of pleading from the family.

Kerry went missing in a 9m aluminum launch, Erie, about 4pm on Saturday.

Mr Blair told the Bay of Plenty Times the week had been frustrating because the family had to fund their own aerial search, despite pleas for a bigger plane.

An online fundraising page helped raise more than $12, 330 towards the aerial searches but Mr Blair said what the family really needed was a larger plane to go a further distance.

This afternoon, Mr Blair was told an Orion would help in the search for Kerry.

Mr Blair said he wanted to thank everyone involved, particularly the people who donated through www.givealittle.co.nz.

"The family are happy it has finally happened and hoping desperately something positive will come of it."

Read more about the Blair's plight here.