Police have released the name of a man whose body was recovered off the coast of Whakatāne after reportedly going overboard.
"He was 39-year-old William Henry Genefaas of Pōmare, Rotorua," police said.
His body was recovered on Thursday, July 25 after reports earlier in the morning of a person going overboard from a boat around 10 nautical miles (18.5km) east of Whakaari/White Island.
Maritime NZ said the man, one of four on the vessel, was last seen around midnight and it was believed he went overboard in the period between midnight and 3am, when authorities were alerted.
"Several search and rescue helicopters, as well as the police Eagle helicopter have been involved."
Police said in a statement, released today with his name: "Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time and his death has been referred to the Coroner."
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