Helicopter deployed in search for final Kaipara tragedy victim

  • 30/11/2016
Taulagi Afamasaga and his daughter Amy Yerro (Supplied)
Taulagi Afamasaga and his daughter Amy Yerro (Supplied)

Police are throwing all their resources into locating the body of Taulagi Afamasaga, the only person still unaccounted for following New Zealand's worst maritime disaster.

They have now deployed an eagle helicopter to conduct another search of the shoreline around the Kaipara Harbour on Wednesday afternoon.

Police say the search for Mr Afamagasa's body is expected to continue well into the evening, unless it is found before then.

The 55-year-old has been missing since Saturday when the Francie, a 12m launch he was fishing on with 10 others, capsized while crossing the notoriously dangerous Kaipara Harbour bar.

Three were rescued, seven bodies have been recovered and Mr Afamagasa remains missing, and is presumed drowned.

On Monday his daughter made an emotional plea to bring him home.

"We just want him home. We feel like we are in limbo at the moment. We don't know where he is," Ms Yerro says.

"It's really hard for the family at the moment, we're all holding it together. We are supporting each other, it's really hard at the moment."

Police say the will assess the search on Thursday morning and provide another update after 8am.

Newshub.