Divers confirm bodies inside helicopter wreckage

Divers have confirmed two bodies are inside the wreckage of the helicopter off the coast of Karikari, says the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ).

Two commercial divers dove down to crashed aircraft and confirmed the find to RCCNZ about 12pm.

RCCNZ Search and Rescue Officer Conrad Reynecke said the search would now be stood down, with Police taking over responsibility for body recovery, formal identification and informing next of kin.

Mr Reynecke thanked everyone involved in the search, which had included local helicopters, fishing vessels and a Police LandSAR team

“While the search has come to an end, we are saddened that it has ended in this way. Our deepest sympathies are now with the families of the two men.”

The Civil Aviation Authority is now investigating the crash.