An in-air and on-water search continues for a person reported overboard in the water between Whakatāne and Whakaari/White Island.
Authorities were notified at about 3am this morning.
"The person was last seen at about midnight. It is believed they went overboard sometime between midnight, and just prior to when the authorities were notified at 3am," says Maritime NZ’s RCCNZ.
The search was initially led by NZ Police with helicopters and Coastguard vessels (Whakatāne Rescue II and Ōpōtiki Rescue). The coordination was passed on to RCCNZ shortly after.
"Drift modelling calculations have developed a search area of about 300 square nautical miles,"
A number of search and rescue helicopters, as well as the police Eagle Helicopter have been involved.
"Work is being undertaken this morning on further drift modelling to refine the search area," Maritime NZ’s RCCNZ.
The search from the air and on the water is ongoing.
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