NZDF joins search for man who fell off fishing vessel in Wairarapa coast

The New Zealand Defence Force has sent a Royal New Zealand Air Force NH90 helicopter to join the search for a man who fell overboard from a fishing vessel off the Wairarapa coast this afternoon.

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has joined the search for a man who fell overboard from a fishing vessel off the Wairarapa coast this afternoon.

Air Commodore Tim Walshe, the Air Component Commander, said a Royal New Zealand Air Force NH90 helicopter had been sent from Ohakea following a request from the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ).

RCCNZ said it received a mayday call from the captain of a commercial fishing vessel early this afternoon. It has since been coordinating the search, which involves three fishing vessels, a Westpac helicopter and a police launch.

The agency requested support from the NZDF after the search area was expanded.