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Skipper among dead in NZ harbour tragedy

The owner of The Francie, Bill McNatty.

The owner of The Francie, Bill McNatty. Photo: Facebook

Francie skipper Bill McNatty is among seven men found dead in one of New Zealand’s worst maritime disasters, with one man still missing in the boating tragedy on Kaipara Harbour.

The 10 clients on the fishing charter vessel were a group of men of Pacific Islands descent, police say.

The boat capsized in treacherous conditions with waves up to four metres with just one man making it back to shore.

Rescuers battled the waves to winch two men to safety and the bodies of seven men have been recovered. It’s likely an eighth man who is missing has died, police say.

A search, including New Zealand Defence Force personnel, is continuing for the remaining man on Sunday though police say it’s now a recovery operation.

“This is one of the largest maritime disasters in recent times,” Inspector Mark Fergus said.

The men left at 6.30am local time on Saturday and fished in the inner harbour before crossing the Kaipara Bar at about midday.

The skipper advised the Coastguard the vessel was heading back over the bar but did not check in. Fruitless attempts were made to contact the vessel before a search was launched.

Inspector Willi Fanene says the men were friends aged between 31 and 59 who liked to go fishing together.

Four of the dead men were Tongan, one was Samoan and one was from the Cook Islands. The missing man is believed to be of Cook Islands decent.

Mark Fergus

Inspector Mark Fergus updates media after seven people died in a fishing boat tragedy on the Kaipara Harbour. Photo: Getty

Of the three survivors, two are Tongan and one is a believed to be of Cook Islands decent. All have been discharged from hospital and have given brief statements and will be interviewed further.

There’s no sign of the Francie, a 12-metre steel launch.

There were life jackets on board but it’s not known if the men were wearing them.

There are any number of explanations as to why the vessel has floundered, police said.

Kaipara Cruising Club committee member Mark Tuuta said Mr McNatty was being mourned by club members.

“We’re all gutted,” he told AAP.

“He was up there with one of the best. He just made a mistake.”

He said members had been arriving at the club to pay their respects throughout the morning, and Mr McNatty’s distressed daughter, 23-year-old Kathleen-Jane Hotere had also visited.

“She was just distraught. She was very close to her father.”

Two investigators from the Transport Accident Investigation Commission are also expected at the scene on Sunday.

Police are investigating on behalf of the coroner.

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