A search for a missing boat passenger in New Zealand is continuing after five were rescued and four were confirmed dead Sunday evening.
Enchanter, the New Zealand ship, was carrying 10 people when it sank Sunday evening after reportedly being hit by a rogue wave. The ship’s captain, Lance Goodhew, and four other people were rescued and discharged from a hospital on Monday. Four bodies have been recovered so far, according to the New Zealand Stuff news website.
“I was quite horrified to hear the news,” Steve Smith, a friend of Goodhew, told the outlet. “These people, they might be tourists, but for a wee while they are part of our community. So it is devastating for us.”
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Smith said he had known Goodhew for many years and described him as a professional who “knew what he’s doing.” He also said the Enchanter had been in similar conditions many times before, and what happened Sunday evening had to have been “a freak accident.”
Penetaui Kleskovic, operations manager for Te Aupouri Commercial Development, said the ship appeared to have been hit by a “rogue wave” near a reef. Police have not released names of the rescued or the missing, though the family of Mark Sanders confirmed to the outlet he had died in the ship’s sinking.
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission has opened an inquiry into the sinking, and investigators are encouraging people with information to come forward.
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The commission did not respond to the Washington Examiner’s request for comment.
