Search for missing man off Wairarapa coast suspended

The search for a 72-year-old man missing off the Wairarapa coast has been formally suspended.

The Martinborough man went out from Sandy Bay near Te Awaiti at 11am on Thursday to set a crayfish pot, and on Friday his 2-3m inflatable boat was found 68km (37 nautical miles) off the coast

Since Friday the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) has managed a search involving a RNZAF P3 Orion, helicopters, fishing boats and the Police Dive Squad, which undertook a series of dives in the Sandy Bay area throughout Saturday.

The decision to suspend the search was reached after a detailed review.

Maritime New Zealand says the man's family have been informed of the decision. It says the decision would be reviewed, should any new information come to light.