Search area expanded for missing Taranaki boatie

  • 23/08/2016
The Taranaki Rescue Helicopter's been scouring the sea for the teen (Newshub.)
The Taranaki Rescue Helicopter's been scouring the sea for the teen (Newshub.)

Search teams have failed to find a missing Taranaki teenager lost overboard in a boat capsize, as the second day of scouring the area draws to a close.

The 18-year-old wasn't wearing a lifejacket when he and a 26-year-old man went out to check cray pots at Paritutu, near New Plymouth, early Monday morning.

The older man managed to swim to shore to raise the alarm which prompted a major search including police, Surf Lifesavers and Land Search and Rescue.

Teams spent Tuesday searching for the teenager and expanded the area of concern to Oakura and Bell Block on land, while the sea area has also been increased to take into account changing winds and tide conditions.

The Taranaki Rescue Helicopter has also been searching up to 5km out at sea.

Police say they'll review their operation tonight and a call will be made on the next stage of the search.

Newshub.