Missing jetskier had made Cook Strait trip many times

By Jessica Hopkins of RNZ

A retired grandfather and Kāpiti Boating Club member went missing crossing the Cook Strait on Monday.

His jetski was found at Cook Rock, but he never arrived at Plimmerton Beach in Porirua.

Police and search teams are conducting a water search with Coastguard and the Rescue Coordination Centre.

Kāpiti Boating Club says the missing jetskier who set out across the Cook Strait from the Tasman District on Monday is retired, a grandfather and long-time club member.

Police said the man launched on Monday morning but never arrived at his destination at Plimmerton Beach in Porirua.

His jetski had been found at Cook Rock, off the top of the South Island.

Commodore John Smith said the man had met up with friends and was getting ready to head back before he went missing.

“When he arrived there weren’t any issues from what I understand.”

He said the man had made the trip on a jetski many times with no issues and they were shocked he had gone missing.

“Thankfully the search people and police are out in full mode. We are just hoping he will be located.”

He said the boating club was supporting the man’s family.