20 Mar 2014

Launch probed for clues on sailor

11:28 am on 20 March 2014

A forensic examination is now underway on board the launch on which a missing Marlborough boatie was last seen.

The 9-metre launch Erie has been taken out of the water at Port Taranaki and is undergoing detailed tests for any clues as to what has happened to William Blair, known as Kerry.

The 55-year-old was last seen leaving the Marlborough Sounds on board the boat 11 days ago.

The Erie was found drifting off the Taranaki coast on Monday and was towed to New Plymouth by the navy ship HMNZS Wellington.

Police are working with maritime experts to provide information on the condition of the boat

This work is expected to take a couple of days.