Search for family stranded in broken down boat

Communication problems have made it difficult for rescuers to reach a family stranded in their broken down boat.

Two adults and a nine-year-old child are on board the vessel off the east coast of the North Island. It was last spotted near Sail Rock.

Police say one person on board was sending text messages to a family member last night, who was relaying them by phone to coastguards.

Other emergency teams were then being reached by VHF radio.

This morning, two coastguard boats and a plane are out searching.

Coastguard believe the cellphone has now given up.

- Newstalk ZB