A Department of Conservation worker from Romania is likely to have drowned after falling from rocks while taking samples at Raoul Island in 2012, says a Coroner.

Mihai Muncas-Nagy, 33, went missing from the island, in the Kermadec Trench 1000km northeast of Tauranga, on January 2, 2012.

Mihai Muncas-Nagy.

The 33-year-old was declared dead on November 20, 2012.

Coroner Brandt Shortland today released his findings into the Romanian's death saying he most likely drowned.

Mihai was part of a seven-member team working on the island. He was out taking samples on Fishing Rock using a buoy and thermometer attached to a rope when he went missing.

It's most likely Mihai had climbed down to retrieve the thermometer after it had become stuck between rocks under the platform, Coroner Shortland says in his report.

'What is clear is that Fishing Rock is not the most stable of platforms.

'In the context of the island, it's only the large platform that will allow people to stand reasonably safely to carry out various functions including loading and unloading supplies, equipment and materials for the island.”

Coroner Shortland says there is evidence to show that when the sea is rough, it washes over the platform making any form of work dangerous.

Department of Conservation staff no longer record the water temperature at Raoul Island as a result of Mihai's death.

Instead DOC has invited NIWA and GNS to consider automated temperature readings should they require this information in the future.

'Staff also have to carry hand-held radios and follow a 'sched-ins” regime where they regularly check in and inform others of their locations and status.

'Prior to Mihai's death, staff members spent most of their time working in isolation and were required to fill in the intentions board and have a hand-held radio for communications purposes.”

Mihai's body was never found.