New Zealand authorities continued searching the water off the southern tip on Friday for four people missing in a boat sinking. Police say the 40-foot fishing vessel Easy Rider was hit by a “rogue wave” and capsized early Thursday in the Foveaux Strait area near Stewart Island, which is about 19 miles from the mainland. Three crew members and six passengers were on board.
Search teams have recovered four bodies so far. One body was found Thursday evening and three others were found Friday. All four were found near the ship’s wreckage and none were wearing lifejackets.
Authorities say only one person was found alive. Rescuers found 44-year-old Dallas Reedy clinging to a petrol can around 6 p.m. Thursday. Reedy is currently being treated for hypothermia.
The other passengers have been identified as: William Rewai Desmond Karetai, 47; Paul Jason Fowler-Karetai, 40; Odin Karetai, 7; John Henry Karetai, 58; David George Fowler, 50; Boe Taikawa Gillies, 28; Peter Glen Pekamu-Bloxham, 53; and Shane Ronald Topi, 29.
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