Malcolm Waddilove. Photo / Supplied
When Malcolm Waddilove's family heard he was missing at sea and presumed drowned, they hoped history was repeating itself.
The 77-year-old sailor, originally from England but a New Zealand resident for about 30 years, was last heard from on January 2 when he told his son he was leaving Opua
for Norfolk Island. His yacht Boadicea was discovered on Wednesday with its mast protruding from the water near the remote and rugged Tapotupotu Bay, close to Cape Reinga.
Waddilove's daughter Sally told the Herald on Sunday his family hadn't given up hope of seeing her adventure-loving father alive again.
"He still may turn up. He's been lost at sea before. Last time was 1972 in the UK and the papers even described him as 'lost at sea presumed dead'. He turned up the next day after hours and hours in the water."
Waddilove had re-married then divorced in New Zealand but was still in regular contact with his family - including first wife, two adult children and five grandchildren. He'd visit his homeland about every two years.
"He's been in New Zealand on and off for about 30 years. He was a resident there and has lived on his yacht for about five years," she said.
His sister-in-law Maureen Waddilove said he'd always loved the sea, having worked in the merchant navy for many years, as well as on trawlers. "He was an adventurer and he enjoyed life to the full," she said.
Houhora senior constable Christ Yarnton said there was not much hope of him being found alive and a search had been called off.
