Missing fisherman found dead on boat

A fisherman who went missing near Great Barrier Island in the Hauraki Gulf was discovered dead on board his boat on Sunday. Photo: Coastguard.

A fisherman who went missing near Great Barrier Island in the Hauraki Gulf was discovered dead aboard his boat on Sunday.

The man, who was in his 40s, left Whangarei in his 6.2m powerboat and had planned to go fishing at Mokohinau Islands, northwest of Great Barrier, on January 7.

A search involving Coastguard and police's maritime unit was launched after the fisherman's wife raised the alarm when he failed to arrive at the islands that evening.

Eventually a Coastguard plane spotted the fisherman's boat anchored at The Needles at the northernmost tip of Great Barrier Island on Sunday morning.

Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter Trust spokesperson Kerrie Spicer says following the discovery of the fisherman's vessel, the Westpac 2 crew were tasked to the scene by St John's regional communication centre.

'The crew located the vessel overhead and assessed the scene, winching the ARHT Paramedic down to the vessel.

'Unfortunately he advised that the sole male occupant was deceased. Retrieved medic and returned to base, advising [police] of the situation.”

A police launch recovered the fishman's body on Sunday and his death will be referred to the Coroner.

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