Search for missing yachtsman continues

The Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) is continuing the search for a missing yachtsman off the Bay of Plenty Coast.

RCCNZ began the search for 56-year-old Russell man Richard Rusbatch, about 9am today, following the discovery of his unmanned 38 foot, single-masted yacht, the Honfleur by a member of the public 11 nautical miles east of Mayor Island in the Bay of Plenty.

RCCNZ spokesperson John Ashby said a fixed wing aircraft and helicopter had spent much of the day searching a 900 square kilometre area between Motiti and Mayor Islands for signs of Mr Rusbatch. A sea search was also mounted, involving Coastguard and a vessel that has been working on the Rena operation.

John Ashby said the search would continue until dark, and would be reviewed overnight to determine whether it should be widened further. The search area had been covered twice by aircraft without sign of the missing yachtsman.

Inquiries are also continuing in an effort to determine whether an unnamed dinghy located by Police last night may have come from the missing yacht.

Western Bay of Plenty Police Area Commander, Inspector Karl Wright-St Clair said an immediate search of the yacht had determined that there was no-one on board. He said the motor was running and the yacht's anchor was dragging in the water.

Inspector Wright-St Clair says Police believe the yacht, left Tauranga for Paihia on Sunday 12 February.

"We would urgently like to hear from anyone who may have seen the yacht since Sunday. Please contact Tauranga Police on 07 577 4300."