Search resumes for missing man after fishing boat found drifting off Whangārei coast

The Auckland Police Maritime Unit is assisting in the search. Photo / File

Crews are resuming the search for a man believed missing in the sea off the coast in Northland.

He was one of two people on a boat that was reported overdue on Friday night.

Police said the 5m runabout was meant to return at 7pm on Friday, and the alarm was raised at 9pm.

Yesterday morning, the boat was found drifting with no-one aboard, and shortly afterwards a body of one of the two fishermen was found.

“This morning the search resumes for the missing man, supported by the Police National Dive Squad, Search and Rescue crews, Auckland Coastguard Air Patrol, Auckland Police Maritime Unit, Customs, Surf Rescue and Northland Land Search and Rescue,” the police spokesperson said.

“Police would like to thank members of the community who are also assisting with the search.”

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