The family of a Kiwi man missing from a sunken livestock ship have accused the Government of failing them.
Lochie Bellarby was a crew member on the Gulf Livestock 1 when it sank during a typhoon en route from New Zealand to China.
Three people were found floating in the water after the ship went down - one died a short time later. However Bellerby and 39 other men, including fellow New Zealander Scott Harris, are still missing.
Bellarby's family say the Government has failed them by not resuming a full-scale search for the missing men after foul weather called it off.
They say there is a high chance their missing loved one, and the 39 others are still alive. A Givealittle page set up on behalf of the family says there is still hope.
"Reports have emerged from the found survivors that all but three crew members were on the ship's bridge prior to the boat sinking and were preparing to board the life vessels," reads the description.
The rafts reportedly have enough food and water to last 30 days.
"People have survived 41 days on a life raft in this very area before," it says.
A spokerson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) told Newshub it's Tokyo embassy is in close contact with the Japanese coast guard, which is patrolling the area.
"We know this is an extremely stressful time for the families of the two missing New Zealanders.
MFAT is continuing to provide all assistance possible to the families and they are being updated as soon as any information comes to hand. "
But Bellerby's family says this is not enough. In a statement to Newshub a family spokesperson said they are seeking more information from MFAT.
" [We are seeking] full, unfiltered survivor statements including the events leading up to the capsize of the ship, and search and rescue details of the search area undertaken by the Japanese Coastguard."
Bellerby's family said they are consulting marine authorities and search experts to learn how to successfully "escalate and deploy a targeted search off the coast of Japan."
So far their Givealittle page has raised more than $34,000 in just 24 hours.
Over 100 donations have been made towards the Bellerby family's efforts, including multiple $500 donations.
The description on the Givealittle page finishes "Lochie is a legend, loved by many.
"He is extremely capable, adventurous and without a doubt possesses the character needed to not only get through this but to help pull others through."
