Search continues for fishermen
Searchers have not given up hope for two fisherman who went missing almost two weeks ago, with more than 70 people taking part in a shoreline search in the Catlins yesterday.
Shaun Orchard, 23, from Tapanui, and Hendrix Kamo, 28, from Riversdale, were swept off rocks at Slope Point on January 27.
Kamo’s sister, Hauku Kamo, said shoreline searches had carried on for the men since they had gone missing.
Marine searches were suspended on January 29.
‘‘We go out to the point every day,’’ Hauku said. Some days family members and friends of the men can total up to 25 at Slope Point, she said.
Residents of Slope Point and nearby areas have provided accommodation to the families of the two missing fishermen as the search continues.
Kamo said both families were extremely grateful for accommodation and support from people. ‘‘They’ve been really amazing . . . I don’t think we could thank them enough for what they’ve done for us,’’ Hauku, of Riversdale, said. ‘‘And they’ve been strong for us.’’ Kamo family friend Alana Potts has set up a Givealittle page for both families. The funds will be shared evenly between the Kamo and Orchard families and by yesterday afternoon, 20 people had donated a total of $1249.
Potts said the pages were a good way to help people in difficult times.
Orchard and Kamo were employed in the dairy industry and had planned to play for the Balfour Rugby Club this year.
Slope Point is the southernmost point of the South Island. It is close to Waikawa and Haldane and 73 kilometres from Invercargill.