Mahurangi River death: Police find car of man swept away near Warkworth

Police National Dive Squad members found Tekanimaeu Arobati's car in the Mahurangi River. Photo / Police

Police have found the vehicle in which a man was swept away on the Mahurangi River in Warkworth.

Tekanimaeu Arobati, 47, was carried away by the torrent on January 21 during the severe storm which lashed the upper North Island.

His body was found in the river three days later.

Police have confirmed dive squads found the vehicle in the river yesterday afternoon.

Inspector Nina Pedersen said the Police National Dive Squad was brought in to search the Mahurangi River yesterday.

“Mr Arobati’s Nissan X-Trail was located in the afternoon and recovered from the river.”

Tekanimaeu Arobati’s Nissan X-Trail was found in the afternoon and recovered from the river. Photo / Police

Police efforts have been ongoing since the severe weather event in late January, and this discovery brought to an end, Pedersen said.

“Our thoughts remain with Mr Arobati’s family and loved ones, as well as the wider Kiribati community,” she said.

“Police acknowledge all the staff from various agencies and teams, as well as the Kiribati community that have been involved in the matter.”

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