Navigation marker missing near Opotiki

A large navigation marker has gone missing from an aquaculture farm about nine kilometres north of Ōpōtiki.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council Harbourmaster – Eastern, Brian Spake said it was possible that the pillar-type marker had come away at the base on the seafloor, or had been collected by a vessel. The marker is likely to still be tethered, with up to 40 metres of 12 mm chain which may ground it some distance offshore.

“This is the east cardinal mark, which is painted black with a single yellow band and a top mark consisting of two black cones positioned base to base. It also displays a white, quick-flashing light at a rate of three flashes every five seconds,” Mr Spake said.

Mr Spake said any sightings should be reported to the Harbourmaster by telephone on 07 3088570 or via Coastguard Radio on VHF channel 80.