Missing motorboat - Castle Point

Police are asking the public to keep an eye out for a missing motorboat that was lost off the east coast of the lower North Island yesterday.

The owner of the 5 metre “Thundercat” twin hull motorboat had been checking Crayfish pots about 100 metres off Sandy Bay, just north of Castle Point, when he was flipped out in a heavy swell.

A kill switch that would normally stop the engine failed to operate and the boat continued out towards open sea, minus the driver. Fortunately he was able to make it safely back to shore however lost sight of the boat which has not been seen since.

Because of the tides and wind factors it is hard to predict which way or how far the boat might have drifted under motor power and after it ran out of petrol. It is possible that it could wash ashore some distance from where it was originally lost and be found by a member of public.

The boat is described as having red pontoons and a red engine.
It has a “Rock FM” logo on the right hand side and a “Caesar” brand on both sides.
It may also have two Crayfish pots on board.

Anyone who finds this boat is asked to contact police