No Sign Of Boy Missing At O'Neill Bay

It is now five days since a 15 year old boy went missing in the surf at O’Neil Bay, north of Bethell’s Beach on Auckland’s West Coast. An intensive land, sea, and air search has so far been unsuccessful in the daily dawn to dark quest to find the teenager.

Waitakere Police Tactical Response Manager, Inspector Rod Frazer, says all search and rescue personnel have been stood down but the police helicopter Eagle will continue to make sweeps of the coastline twice daily.

“The Police national dive squad has been in regular liaison with police and civilian personnel throughout the search of the treacherous waters and rugged coastline. Surf club members will continue to use their IRB’s. The lengthy search has been carried out in some difficult sea swells.”

“In reality we are now entering a recovery phase. The sea conditions will influence when this will occur. Locals will assist by monitoring these conditions.”

“Police continue to liaise closely with the family and our thoughts are with them all,” Inspector Frazer said.