1 Dec 2025

Search for fisherman missing at Tapotupotu Bay continues

2:51 pm on 1 December 2025
Northland Coastguard Air Patrol conducting the aerial search.

Northland Coastguard Air Patrol conducting the aerial search for a fisherman who was swept off the rocks at Tapotupotu Bay near Cape Reinga. Photo: Northland Coastguard Air Patrol

The Police Dive Squad is searching the water near Cape Reinga for a fisherman swept from rocks at Tapotupotu Bay.

The man was fishing at the remote location with friends when he was washed into the sea around 3pm on 23 November.

Police, Search and Rescue, Coastguard Air Patrol, Customs, Surf Lifesaving and the Northern Rescue Helicopter were all involved in the initial search.

It's understood high winds in recent days have hampered the search but conditions at the Cape on Monday are fine with light seas.

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