Search suspended for trawler crew member lost at sea near Auckland Islands

The search for a crew member lost at sea after being knocked overboard has been suspended.

The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) confirmed the person went overboard the New Zealand-flagged trawling vessel Mariner on Sunday, about 400km east of the Auckland Islands.

The Auckland Islands are 465km south of Bluff and are the largest of New Zealand’s subantarctic islands.

TAIC said the crew member was knocked overboard by a float while deploying fishing gear at about 10.40pm.

The person was not sighted again after falling overboard.

A person was knocked overboard from a New Zealand fishing boat about 400km east of the Auckland Islands.

Maritime New Zealand said the on-water search involved two vessels, including the commercial fishing boat involved.

“In co-ordinating the search, RCCNZ [Rescue Co-ordination Centre] issued mayday relays and provided drift modelling.

“The drift modelling was used to guide search efforts.”

Maritime New Zealand confirmed it would be investigating the incident.

“Our thoughts go out to the crew member’s family and the crew of the vessel.

“We also want to thank those involved in the search.”

The search was officially suspended after a thorough review on Tuesday.

Police said they were in the early stages of making inquiries to piece together what had happened.

TAIC’s chief investigator of accidents, Louise Cook, said investigators would travel to Bluff to gather evidence and interview the vessel’s crew and officials.

“Our initial focus is on evidence that could disappear or change, including recollections that are fresh in people’s minds,” Cook said.

Investigators will also examine the vessel’s fishing operation, as well as the design, history, performance, maintenance and equipment on board, Cook said.

The commission said its investigations are focused on improving transport safety and “avoiding repeat accidents”, rather than assigning blame.