12 Oct 2018

Survival time for fisherman 'has long passed' - Sealord

8:46 pm on 12 October 2018

Sealord have confirmed that the search for a fisherman missing off the southern Wairarapa coast will not resume unless new information comes to light.

The man who went missing from a fishing boat yesterday is 25-year-old Patahi Rewi Hawaikirangi Kawana, a deckhand from Hawke's Bay who has been a member of the crew of the Otakou for two years.

When the man did not report for duty aboard the Otakou yesterday morning, a search was immediately started, the company said.

The search for him was stopped by rough weather this morning and Sealord says it will not be resumed unless new information comes to hand.

The company says the estimated survival time in such waters without a lifejacket has long passed.

Mr Kawana's family have been notified.

In a statement the company said, "Sealord is deeply saddened by this tragic event and extends their sympathy and support to the family and friends of Patahi, crew of Otakou and Sealord staff."

Sealord has begun its own internal investigation.

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