12 Mar 2022

Two Cooks fishermen missing for nearly a week

1:16 pm on 12 March 2022

Cook Islands police are continuing to search for two fishermen who were reported missing two days ago after going out last Saturday.

They were planning to net fish in the dangerous Rutaki Passage which, police say, is signposted to discourage fishermen and others entering it.

Cook Islands police

Cook Islands police Photo: RNZ Walter Zweifel

A comprehensive search of the passage and the lagoon was undertaken yesterday, including the use of divers.

Some footwear and netting has been recovered.

Today a drone is being used in the channel.

Police said it's possible that the duo have been swept further out but unlikely.