Further search today for the three missing off New Plymouth

A search has resumed a short time ago for the three missing off Paritutu Rock on Wednesday afternoon.

Incident Controller Inspector Frank Grant says a further shoreline search is now underway, involving Police Search and Rescue staff, Land SAR volunteers and Army territorials. Volunteers from Alpine Cliff Rescue will also be undertaking an extensive search of Paritutu Rock today.

“We also have Taranaki Surf Lifesaving inflatable rescue boats (IRBs) heading out shortly to complete another marine search. Shell Todd has funded a Helicopter New Zealand aircraft to conduct another aerial search today, along with a Royal NZ Air Force helicopter.”

An Iroquois will also be deployed again today.

Inspector Grant says members of the Police National Dive Squad were in New Plymouth yesterday to make an assessment of the conditions, however it still remains too dangerous for divers to enter the water at this time.

“Yesterday Police continued speaking to witnesses as part of the investigation into the circumstances which led to Wednesday afternoon’s tragic incident. Our investigation is likely to take several weeks to complete.”