Human remains found on Coppermine Island (Mauipane), east of Whangārei, have been identified as belonging to Ferzil Babu, who went missing in May 2024.
“Following the examination, the human remains have now been confirmed as those of missing person Ferzil Babu, who went missing while on a fishing trip at The Gap, Taiharuru on 1 May 2024,” a police statement said.
The remains were examined by a pathologist, anthropologist, and ESR scientists to determine the identity of the individual.
“Police have since spoken with Ferzil’s family to inform them of the finding,” the statement added.
The remains were discovered on 20 December 2025, when a member of the Department of Conservation contacted police after finding them on the island.
Babu, 34, and Sarath Kumar, 37, both working in the healthcare sector in New Zealand, went fishing at Taiharuru, Whangārei Heads, at a spot known as The Gap in May 2024. Emergency services were alerted after the pair failed to return home by 11pm on 1 May.
Kumar’s body was recovered from the water in May by the police dive squad, while the search for Babu continued. A police spokesperson had noted at the time that searches, including along the shoreline, were ongoing with drone assistance.
Poor marine conditions and easterly swells complicated search efforts, according to police. Despite an extensive year-long search involving multiple agencies, Babu remained missing until the recent discovery.
Rabin Ranji, secretary of the Whangārei Malayalee Association, told The Indian Weekender in 2024 that the community was in shock, describing it as the first tragedy of this kind for them. The association had also appealed for support and donations via Facebook.
Kumar, a registered nurse in the Whangārei Emergency Department, had been living in Whangārei for just two months after migrating to New Zealand in late 2023. He is survived by his wife and five-year-old daughter.
Babu had moved to New Zealand after marrying his wife in January 2023, and the couple welcomed a son six months ago.
“Police extend their sympathies to his loved ones at this difficult time,” the statement concluded.