One man missing after boat sinks

One man is missing after a boat sank off the coast of Foxton last night.

The 7.5 metre aluminium catamaran left the Foxton boat ramp at approximately 6pm with two men on board; a 38-year-old man from Foxton and a 45-year-old man Levin. The pair were only intending to be out until about 7.30pm testing a couple of engines and doing a little fishing.

About 8pm when they had not returned some local enquiries were made by Coastguard and then Police were contacted to launch a full search and rescue operation.

Overnight the operation has involved a fixed wing Coastguard aircraft from Kapiti, two Coastguard boats from Kapiti and two from Manawatu. The Palmerston North Rescue helicopter and an Iroquois from 3 Squadron at RNZAF Ohakea have assisted and Coastguard and Police have patrolled the beach.

Between approximately 3am and 3.30am the 45-year-old man managed to make it ashore near Hokio Beach. He walked for 30 to 45 minutes until he came across a man in a four-wheel drive who drove him into Levin and flagged down Police. The 38-year-old man who owns the boat is still missing.

He was checked out by ambulance and cleared to go home where he is now recovering. He has told Police that their boat sank at approximately 6.30pm.

This morning a Coastguard boat from Whanganui and a boat and a jet-ski from Coastguard Manawatu are searching along with an Iroquois and Patenavia twin engine plane from Air Charter Manawatu in Feilding with air observers on board.

The families of the two men are being kept informed and Victim Support are providing assistance.