Emergency services resumed their search this morning after a mayday call late last night reported a vessel in distress in Cook Strait.
The call, received around 10pm on Sunday, indicated a boat with multiple people on board was in trouble approximately three nautical miles off Karori Rock. A coordinated response followed, involving Police, Coastguard Wellington, CentrePort, Wellington Airport Fire and Rescue, and Interislander crews.
Search efforts stretched into the early hours, continuing until 2.30am, but no signs of a vessel or debris were located. Land-based searches along the coast and at boat ramps also yielded no results.
The search recommenced around 7am Monday as authorities renewed their appeal for public assistance.
“We’re urging anyone with information that could help us identify the vessel or its occupants to come forward immediately,” Police said in a statement.
People can contact Police by calling 111 and quoting reference number P063602359. Non-urgent information can also be submitted online at 105.police.govt.nz using the same reference.