Search resumes for two missing fisherman in Northland

8:28 am on 2 May 2024
A search effort will resume this morning in Taiharuru for two missing fishermen. The men had been fishing from rocks yesterday, Wednesday 1 May, and were due home to family in Whangārei by 11pm.

The men were fishing in Taiharuru (file image). Photo: Supplied / Google Maps

A search is resuming this morning for two fisherman in Northland's Taiharuru who failed to come home last night.

Police said the men had been fishing from rocks on Wednesday and family expected them home in Whangārei by 11pm.

That did not happen and police were notified just prior to midnight.

The men were last in contact about 4pm.

In a statement, police said they went to the location the men were last known to be, finding their vehicle and some personal belongings on the beach.

"Several additional resources were called upon to assist search efforts," police said.

"The Police Air Support Unit, Eagle, deployed from Auckland overnight and arrived after 3am to conduct aerial searches of the shoreline.

"Coastguard Tutukaka also deployed to conduct shoreline searches."

As well as this, six volunteers onboard the Coastguard boat searched between Taiharuru Bay and Awahoa Bay, along with an area north of McGregors Bay.

Search efforts were stopped just prior to 5am on Thursday, but police search and rescue will continue now in daylight.

"Family and friends of the men are understandably concerned, and we are keeping them updated on progress."

Members of the public who may have seen the men out fishing on Wednesday evening were asked to contact police with any information they may have.

People can call 105, quoting the file number 240502/6352.