Search for missing fishermen called off
Police have called off the search for two fishermen at Slope Point and surrounding areas.
Shaun Orchard, 23, from Tapanui, and Hendrix Kamo, 28, from Riversdale, were swept off rocks while fishing at the point on January 27.
The decision to withdraw formal search teams was made after 80 people searched unsuccessfully the coast line between Waipapa Point and Waikawa Harbour on Thursday.
Detective sergeant Dave Kennelly said that if new information was found, police would investigate. ‘‘Search and rescue teams have been stood down as of today [Friday].’’
Families of the missing men have been staying at Slope Point and surrounding areas since land and sea searches started on January 27. Residents in the area have provided accommodation and support to the Orchard and Kamo families, Kamo’s sister, Hauku, said.
‘‘They’ve been really amazing . . . I don’t think we could thank them enough for what they’ve done for us,’’ Hauku said this week.
A large number of water crafts were used in the search including coast guard, commercial fishing boats, inflatable rescue boats and the Bluff Harbour pilot vessel The Takitimu.
Also involved were Catlins water rescue teams, southern regional LandSAR groups, Tokanui LandSAR management team and the Slope Point community.
‘‘Although we appreciate these teams for their commitment and dedication to finding these two men, we are obviously disappointed that we cannot bring closure to the families of Mr Orchard and Mr Kamo,’’ Kennelly said.
‘‘The matter will now be referred to the coroner.’’
‘‘They’ve been really amazing . . . I don’t think we could thank them enough for what they’ve done for us.’’ Hauku Kamo, Hendrix Kamo’s sister