NZDF helps search for missing fisherman in Bay of Plenty
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is helping Police search for a fisherman who was reported missing on Monday evening off Bowentown Harbour in the Western Bay of Plenty.
Commodore Jim Gilmour, the Maritime Component Commander, said the Royal New Zealand Navy’s Inshore Patrol Vessel (IPV) HMNZS Taupo was deployed at 3:30am this morning to help in the search.
Taupo, which has a crew of 24, has been in the area conducting navigation training since Monday.
“One of the roles for IPVs is search and rescue. Taupo is fitted with an optical and infrared camera which can be used for search operations,” Commodore Gilmour said.
“The Navy is always ready to help fellow mariners in distress.”
Police said the 24-year-old man was one of three people on board a dinghy that capsized off Bowentown Harbour. A 28-year-old man and a 10-year-old child were washed ashore last night and were treated by ambulance after they were found by a local fisherman.
