New Zealand

Search to resume for person missing from boat in Auckland's Manukau Harbour

12:12 pm on 28 August 2024

Police at Puketutu Island. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Police in Auckland are searching nearby land as well as the Manukau Harbour for a man missing since Tuesday evening.

On Tuesday night Coastguard said two people on a boat got into difficulty near Puketutu Island, just out of Māngere.

One person swam back to shore and alerted police, but the other was still missing.

The man was last seen at 4.50pm on Tuesday.

Officers are stationed on Puketutu Island and a helicopter could be seen circling the island.

Police said they will conduct land-based searches on the island, as well as air and sea searches.

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Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi

"Despite ongoing efforts, the missing man is still unaccounted for, and searching was suspended (Tuesday) due to darkness," a police spokesperson said.

"The search will resume today on air, sea, and land, with police search and rescue staff conducting land-based searches on Puketutu Island."

The police Eagle helicopter would also be involved, the spokesperson said.

Coastguard said the boat was towed back to shore on Tuesday night and the search ended for the night.

Puketutu Island. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Coastguard volunteers from Titirangi and Papakura were involved in the search.

Coastguard said the search conditions on Tuesday night were challenging due to the swell and darkness.

"But our volunteers that are out on the water on three rescue vessels are committed to doing all they can to try find the missing person."

Auckland Airport's hovercraft and Westpac Rescue Helicopter also earlier assisted in the search.