The child was found in the water at Westshore Beach in Napier, New Zealand, on Friday, Feb. 6
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NEED TO KNOW
- A missing boy was found dead at Westshore Beach, Napier, New Zealand, on Friday, Feb. 6
- Henry Van Tuel, of Coastguard Hawke’s Bay, said the 5-year-old child’s death appears to be an “absolute accident”
- Police are appealing for witnesses and CCTV footage amid their investigation into the circumstances of the boy’s death
A missing child was found dead one day after he disappeared in Westshore, Napier, New Zealand.
At around 1:30 a.m. local time on Friday, Feb. 6, a joint surf lifesaving and police search party spotted the deceased 5-year-old boy on the shoreline of Westshore Beach, the New Zealand Herald and 1News reported. The multi-agency response had been launched on Thursday evening following reports that the boy was missing.
Henry Van Tuel, of Coastguard Hawke’s Bay, was on the water at the time. He told the New Zealand Herald that there was “very little wind” and the water was calm amid their search for the boy.
“We had six on the boat and three in the radio room, so nine of us were involved … We used our lights and night vision gear,” said Van Tuel, per the outlet. “Surf [Lifesaving] came out and, of course, the police were searching as well. So, there was a lot of communication between all three agencies.”
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Van Tuel said the child was found on the waterline, “just where the waves come in”.
“Everything points to it being an absolute accident,” he added.
Formal identification is underway for the boy and his death will be referred to the coroner, 1News reported.
Coastguard Hawke’s Bay shared a statement about the incident on Facebook after spending at least three hours on the water searching for the child.
“Coastguard Hawke's Bay wishes to extend our condolences to the family and whanau of the person found on Westshore Beach early this morning,” the Facebook post read. “A combined team of Police, Surf and Coastguard carried out the search in the Westshore area.
Richard Faragher / Alamy Stock Photo
“Although a very sad outcome, there was at least some satisfaction that we were able to return them to family and whanau. Stay safe,” the coastguard concluded.
Napier mayor Richard McGrath also expressed condolences to the child’s loved ones on behalf of the city.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss and our thoughts are with the family, friends and wider community of this young child,” said McGrath, per the New Zealand Herald.
“I would like to acknowledge and thank the emergency services and lead agencies for their efforts in responding to this distressing incident," he added.
Police are appealing for anyone who saw the child unattended on Thursday night or has footage related to his disappearance to contact them.
Coastguard Hawke’s Bay and the New Zealand Police did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for further comment on Monday, Feb. 9.
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