The young Taranaki diver found dead after a three-day search off Wellington’s west coast has been formally identified as Zac Power.
The body of Zac, 24, from New Plymouth, was found off Makara Beach, on Wednesday night.
Family, friends and volunteers mobilised to help with the official search.
Senior Sergeant David Houston, of Wellington maritime police, said pinpointing what went wrong would have to wait until the outcome of a coroner’s report and an ongoing police investigation.
Zac was last seen on Monday, when he entered the water to go free-diving and spear-fishing off Makara. He had been wearing a mask, snorkel and diving wetsuit, which was normal attire for Wellington free-divers, says Mr Houston.
Zac’s brother Leon said yesterday he wanted to thank everyone who helped in the search, saying the response from the Makara community, friends, family, police and rescue teams was overwhelming.
He said the kindness the family had been shown was amazing.
Leon says we just can’t say enough how much gratitude we have for everyone. There was probably about 100 of Zac’s friends who turned up, helping search on land and the coast.
There is a special bond in the diving and marine community with a great deal of sympathy and condolence expressed for Zac and his family and friends.
