Search for missing yacht downgraded

Missing yacht Munetra. Photo supplied

After five days, the search for the missing yacht in Southland has been downgraded.

The 7.5m Munetra left Bluff on April 16 and was supposed to return on the April 22.

The German skipper only had one hand-held radio with him, and its believed he had two other people on board.

Since Thursday, a large search and rescue team had been scouring most of the bottom of the South Island.

Inspector Lane Todd says from today they will be relying on vessels in the area and fishing fleets for information.

Police are expected to release more information about who was on board this afternoon.