22 May 2012

Father's body found in Manakau Harbour

3:09 pm on 22 May 2012

Police divers have found the body of a man who went missing after his dinghy capsized in the Manukau Harbour on Sunday.

So'saia Paasi, 45, and his son Tino Paasi, aged seven, were swept away after their dinghy capsized near Mangere Bridge. Three other children were rescued by onlookers.

The boy's body was found about 7.15pm on Monday, about 300 metres from where the boat went over.

Mr Paasi's body was found between the old and new Mangere bridges on Tuesday.

About 20 family members gathered at the southern end of the bridge as he was brought to shore.

Inspector Jason Hewett earlier told Morning Report that visibility was virtually nil, so the divers were working by feel in the water.