Item found in search for missing BOP fisherman

Jason Kauta has been missing since Easter. Supplied photo/Stuff.

Members of the public living on the shoreline from Tōrere through to Maketū are asked to report any sightings of a red tote tank, wooden oars and a yellow life jacket.

This comes after a 100 litre white chilly bin was found during the search for a missing Bay of Plenty fisherman.

Jason Kuata has not been seen since he went out fishing in Tōrere Bay in Ōpōtiki on Sunday morning.

Police were alerted that evening when he failed to return from his trip.

On Thursday, a Coastguard aircraft conducting an aerial search of the area spotted an item of interest on Whale Island, says a police spokesperson.

A 100 litre white chilly bin had washed up on the shoreline since Tuesday's search of the area.

The item is believed to belong to the missing fisherman.

'Police Search and Rescue and Coastguard located the item using a drone, due to sea conditions making it inaccessible,” says police.

'LANDSAR personnel and Surf Life Saving will resume search efforts along the coastline today.”

Police continue to ask members of the public who may be on the shoreline from Tōrere through to Maketu to be vigilant, and report any sighting of a red tote tank, wooden oars, and a yellow life jacket.

Anyone who comes across any of these items is asked to contact Police on 105, quoting file number 220418/0391.

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