“Today police are reviewing the search efforts to date and planning further search activity. Police have been in contact with the man’s family and support is being provided to them at what is an understandably difficult time.”
Twenty-seven Coastguard Marlborough volunteers and three vessels were also involved in the operation yesterday.
“We had a big morning searching as the weather was ideal, it was very calm, good for searching. However, we’re saddened that we couldn’t locate him yesterday,” Coastguard Marlborough president David St John said.
He said from 6.30am to 1pm, two vessels conducted a thorough search pattern in the Cook Strait, while a third vessel searched the Marlborough Sounds shoreline – checking rocks and caves.
“The search area was determined by rigorous planning by police and the Rescue Coordination Centre, incorporating insights from local fishermen and divers,” St John said.
He acknowledged the support of the harbourmaster in searching Queen Charlotte Sound, as well as many recreational boaties, fishermen and divers who have assisted.
Kāpiti Boating Club Commodore John Smith earlier told RNZ the missing man is retired, a grandfather and long-time club member.
He said the man had met up with friends and was getting ready to head back before he went missing.
“When he arrived there weren’t any issues from what I understand.”
Smith said the man had made the trip on a jetski many times with no issues and they were shocked he had gone missing.
“Thankfully the search people and police are out in full mode. We are just hoping he will be located.”
The boating club was supporting the man’s family.
