New Migrants From India Go Missing In Northland

The families of two Indians missing after a fishing trip in Northland are “hoping for the best but preparing for the worst”.

The two men from Kerala, who migrated to New Zealand recently to work in the healthcare sector, loved fishing, Sijoy Alex, President of Whangarei Malayali Association told The Indian Weekender. 

“We are in touch with the families. We can’t disclose the names of the men, but I can tell you they went out on a routine fishing trip on Wednesday (May 1). Their families raised an alarm when they didn’t return home till late", said Alex.

The men, both in their thirties, went missing after rock fishing at Taiharuru, a small bay in Whangārei Heads.

The fishing spot, known locally as The Gap, is notorious for its large swells and treacherous conditions. Police discovered the men's car and some of their belongings in the area on Thursday, sparking an ongoing search effort.

Authorities have cautioned the public to stay clear of the area to ensure the safety of search teams. Assisting in the search are Coastguard Tutukaka volunteers, the Northland Coastguard Air Patrol, and the Ruakākā Surf Lifesaving Patrol SAR Squad.

The two fishermen have been missing in Taiharuru, a small bay in Whangārei Heads since Wednesday (file picture). Photo: Supplied / Google Maps

The Whangārei Malayalee Association is providing support to the men's families, who are deeply concerned about their well-being. Both men have one child each.

Alex also said that although the family is devastated by the news, they have a good support system around them, and they also have been liaising with the families of their husbands back in India.

The Indian High Commission is in touch with the Malayalee Association and is working to collect more information on the case.

Local authorities have deployed a diving team to aid in the search, and police are actively investigating the matter. Despite hopes for a positive outcome, the community acknowledges the slim chances due to the time elapsed since the men went missing.

Local fishermen, on the other hand,  stress the need to respect The Gap's dangers, which have claimed lives in the past. Police divers are expected to continue their search efforts on Friday.