It stuck at a depth of 17km.
Pitihira was one of three men who fled police after an alleged burglary and ran into the sea to avoid arrest.
Police are investigating the unexplained death of a man at Mount Maunganui.
Steven Taiatini was hit and killed by a car in Ōpōtiki last year.
The road was closed while the Serious Crash Unit examined the scene.
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The property was well-involved in fire when crews arrived at the scene.
The 22-year-old had already been charged with Shrimpton's kidnapping.
Police said one person needed to be extracted from the vehicle.