Photo: RNZ/REECE BAKER
A jet skier who disappeared in the Cook Strait last month was appointed.
Andrew David Walker, 68, from Paraparaumu, did not arrive in Plimmerton, north of Wellington, in his Jetski, as expected on February 3.
Walker was trying to cross the Cook Strait, a traveling boat club, he said he had done many times.
The waves in the area at the time were half a meter to one meter tall, but there were ripples and strong currents in the seas around Cook Rock and the islands of the nearby brother.
Police said hundreds of search hours were placed to find Walker, including air, coast and water research. Police, SAR teams, Coast Guard and Rescue Coordination Center were involved in the search.
A jet skiing, who is believed to be from Walker, was found a day after he disappeared.
Commodore John Smith said Andrew Walker was a lead member.
“It’s a very close community and Andrew imagined a lot there. He was an energetic person who did a lot for many people and had a lot of great friends around here.”
The locals, including the local Aero Club, had met behind the search, he said.
“We’re sad, it’s a traumatic moment for Andrew’s family, and we’re sad that ended the way it happened.”
Police said they continue to offer support to their family during this extremely difficult time.
