Kaipara tragedy: Body of missing man may be with boat
Police say the man missing from the boat that capsized in Kaipara Harbour on Saturday may still be on board.
Three of the 11 men on board the 12-metre launch survived the incident, while the bodies of seven others have been recovered.
Police believe it is possible that Taulagi Afamasaga, who is still unaccounted for, is still on board the vessel.
Police believe missing boatie Taulagi Afamasaga, assumed dead, is likely still on board 'Francie' which capsized killing seven people. Photo: Supplied
Police, Coastguard and navy search teams are now looking for the missing boat, Francie, in the area it's believe to have capsized.
Rescuers suspended the search for the missing 56-year-year-old on Thursday.
Authorities said there were no new search leads and presume Mr Afamasaga has died, with experts saying it is not possible to survive for so long in the water.
Mr Afamasaga with his wife Mefi and son Tavita. Source: Supplied.
In a statement, police said: "We have met with the family of Mr Afamasaga this morning to discuss what the search involves. We can confirm that it is possible that their loved one is still on board the vessel.
"In the event that the boat is found, the Afamasaga family will be informed first before Police release any details publicly. Police specialists will then assess options to search the wreckage, which may involve Police divers or video. This will however require a risk assessment, the area is notoriously dangerous and will be dependent on the sea conditions, tides and currents."
- WITH NZN
