9 Jan 2019

Missing fisherman's gear washes up on west Auckland beach

1:59 pm on 9 January 2019

The belongings of a fisherman who has been missing since Saturday have washed up on a west Auckland beach.

Myung Kang

Myung Kang Photo: Supplied

The 57 year old Korean man, Myung Kang, went missing at Bethells Beach on Saturday.

Police searching for him this afternoon said they had located some of Mr Kang's personal items that washed up on the beach at O'Neills Bay.

Detective Senior Sergeant Callum McNeill said the items included clothing and a fishing bag.

"We have also had several people contact us reporting sightings of Mr Kang over the weekend, and based on this evidence, the indications are that he has gone into the water."

"Sadly, we believe this is now a recovery operation," he said.

Search and Rescue teams, life guards and the police helicopter have been searching Bethells Beach for Mr Kang since his family reported him missing on Sunday evening.

Yesterday police found his 2011 white Toyota Prius still at the Bethells Beach car park.

Detective McNeill said the land search for Mr Kang has been scaled back, but aerial searches over the coastal area with the police helicopter will continue over the next few days.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact Waitemata Police on 09 839 0697.