Search for Owaka pair to be scaled back

One of the search and rescue members searches for the two missing Owaka fishers. Photo: Hamish MacLean / Otago Daily Times

The search for two Owaka friends feared lost at sea will be scaled back today after another disappointing day for searchers, police say.

On Sunday, four boats, three inflatable rescue boats, two fixed wing aeroplanes and 60 LandSAR members walking or driving the beaches searched the coast from Dunedin to Long Point on the fourth full day of searching for Whetuki Sam Kopua, known as Sam (77) and Matekino Lucy Burling, known as Lou (60), Senior Constable Murray Hewitson, of Owaka, said.

''It was a big effort today,'' he said. ''Not a lot to show for it in the end.

''People that live on this coast and have similar tragedies ... there would be statistics that I can't quote, but we've got to face the possibility that we never get them back. I've broached that with the families.''

The friends were reported missing on Wednesday at 6pm after going fishing off the Catlins coast. They were avid fishers who were well known and liked in the community.

Mrs Burling was a member of Catlins LandSAR.

Information from the GPS unit aboard Mr Kopua's 5.2m Kiwi Kraft boat, Kristala, suggested the pair might have been fishing near White Head on the Catlins Coast.

The boat was spotted overturned about 10am on Thursday, its anchor had snagged southeast of Nugget Point. A fishing rod was recovered that had bait on the hook.

On Friday, a soft drink bottle was found near the two mouths of the Clutha River.

Late on Saturday, a ''bit of a seat'', likely from the boat, was discovered further north on Smails Beach.

Snr Const Hewitson said yesterday that ''lots and lots of stuff'' was picked up along the coastline, but nothing that appeared to be tied to the two missing friends.

He appealed to anyone visiting the coast, fishing or beachcombing, from Dunedin to Long Point, south of Owaka, to report anything that might be of interest to the searchers.

''Anything that's possibly linked to a small boat, or clothing items - I know Lou was one to put her name on things - anything that bore the name Burling or Kopua''.

Rough seas did not allow search boats to launch on Saturday and the forecast was not good for today, he said.

Today's and tomorrow's search would focus on ''beaches of high probability of catchment'' and ''some observations from high points'' unless new information arises.

''And then, after Tuesday, we don't know.''

Snr Const Hewitson said searchers had been ''passionate'' in the search for the two well known residents and he said the support from the community had been appreciated.

Anyone who finds, or may have found, an item of interest in the search should contact Owaka police at (03) 419 1070.