Navy joins search for man feared overboard from Wellington ferry

Wellington police spent Friday looking for a man who fell overboard the East By West ferry.
Wellington police spent Friday looking for a man who fell overboard the East By West ferry. Photo credit: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone.

The search for a man believed to have fallen overboard from a ferry in Wellington Harbour is to resume on Sunday with assistance from the Navy.

The Pākehā man in his 40s was the sole passenger on the first East by West Ferry crossing from Queens Wharf to Days Bay early on Friday morning, but was not on board when the ferry arrived at its destination.

The search is being led by the Police Maritime Unit with help from the Navy.

On Friday the harbour was searched by Police, Coastguard and other vessels. On Saturday, police said they were no longer searching the water, but would instead concentrate on the coastline.

They have appealed for information about the missing man or anyone missing who matches the description. He is described as fair skinned, about 180cm tall with darker hair and believed to be aged in his 40s. He was wearing a dark jacket with a zip and dark pants.

Police said they will release further information when they are in a position to do so.

RNZ