Three bodies found in search for missing Gisborne fishermen

Three bodies have been located on the shore at Māhia following a search and rescue operation.

Three fishermen were reported missing after failing to return from a fishing trip on Monday.

While formal identification was ongoing, police believed the bodies to be the fishermen reported missing.

"Police thoughts are with their families at this difficult time."

Maritime NZ's RCCNZ general manager Justin Allan said this was a difficult and complex search and rescue operation.

"Weather conditions in the area were severe, and rescuers went right to their limits to get to the area we received reports the people in the water were, confirm their location and attempt to remove them from the sea.

"Responders from the region, as well as rescue aircraft sourced from across the North Island had to battle atrocious conditions; including swells of up to and at times more than 6m, 50 knot winds and low visibility, showing how determined they were to reach the men in the water.

"Unfortunately, the sea and weather conditions were too severe.

"I want to thank everyone who has been involved, determined volunteers from the local community, family members, Coastguard (Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne), Police, rescue helicopter operators, Surf Life Saving NZ, crew of vessels in the area and the New Zealand Defence Force.

"This was a very challenging operation, with an outcome nobody wanted. Everyone was united in their drive to get these men home," Allan added.

Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz told Breakfast the news of the bodies being found was heartbreaking.

"I know our community has been praying for two days now for the safe return. So we woke up this morning to this very sad news.

"I know everyone knows these lovely gentlemen, they were well loved, well respected.

"Please, give the whānau space to bring their loved husbands, dads and sons home.

"Give them the space to mourn. We are there to support them."

The search began on Monday when the fishermen failed to return from a fishing trip at around 4.50pm.

Gisborne Tatapouri Sports Fishing Club president Roger Faber told 1News at the time three boats were out fishing for bluefin tuna and one had not returned.

"We tried calling the other boat that's now missing, thinking they had already headed back, but when we returned and saw their trailer still there, we got really concerned."

The last contact with the missing boat occurred around 9pm Monday.

On Tuesday, the pair were spotted in the water off Māhia Peninsula earlier today but visual contact was lost before they could be rescued.

RCCNZ general manager Justin Allan said swells and gusts due to the adverse weather made the operation to find the pair "dangerous".

He added at the time swells were getting up as high as 6m and winds were gusting up to 50 knots.