Human remains found on Coppermine Island confirmed as missing fisherman Ferzil Babu

Ferzil Babu went missing while fishing with his friend Sarath Kumar in May 2024.

Human remains found on an island off the East Coast of Northland have been confirmed as missing fisherman Ferzil Babu.

Babu, 34, went missing after a fishing trip at The Gap, Taiharuru, in May 2024.

The body of his friend, Sarath Kumar, 37, was located by the police dive squad two days after the pair went missing.

A police spokeswoman said a member of the Department of Conservation contacted police after finding the remains on Coppermine Island, in the Hen and Chicken Islands group, east of Bream Bay, on December 20 last year.

“The remains have since been examined by a pathologist, anthropologist, and ESR scientists as we worked to identify who the person was.”

The examination confirmed the remains were that of Babu.

“Police have since spoken with Ferzil’s family to inform them of the finding.”

“Police extend their sympathies to his loved ones at this difficult time.”

In August 2024, mother Laila Babu told the Advocate her loss was something “no mother” should go through.

Brodie Stone covers crime and emergency for the Northern Advocate. She has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.