One of the men who swam to shore after a boating accident in Tauranga Harbour this week has appeared in court charged with stealing a dinghy.
The 25-year-old was remanded today in Tauranga District Court. He is expected to reappear on October 26.
He was charged with theft of aboat, which he and three others including missing man Shaun Hogarth, 23, were in when it flipped offshore from Omokoroa on Tuesday night.
This morning police said they did not believe Mr Hogarth would still be alive as the search for his body continued today.
The man's co-accused, a 22-year-old local man, is also expected to appear in court today on the joint theft charge.
Police were also continuing their search for the third person involved, Liam Kane, 22, who has not been seen since he raised alarm at an Omokoroa household after swimming to shore.
Anyone who might know Mr Kane's whereabouts is asked to contact Tauranga police on 07 577 4300.
