‘A massive hole in our lives’: Family of Wellington man found dead in harbour devastated by loss

Friday, 16 July 2021

Sandy Calkin’s family say they are devastated after his body was found in Wellington Harbour on Saturday morning.

In a statement, the family said they had hoped and prayed Calkin, 30, would be found safe and well after he went missing on July 10.

“We loved Sandy dearly and his passing has left a massive hole in our lives.We would like to thank the Wellington police for working so hard to find Sandy and supporting us through the last week.

“We are devastated by this outcome, we had hoped and prayed that Sandy would be found safe and well. We are however thankful that he has been found and will be returned to us,” the statement said.

**READ MORE:

* Police find body of missing Wellington man Sandy Calkin

* Wellington today, July 16: Emergency services called to Taranaki St following wild weather, stranded orca's pool 'biggest one we could find'

* Concerns for safety of Wellington man missing since early Saturday

**

On Saturday morning, police said the national dive squad had found what they believed to be Calkin’s body, near Queens Wharf on Wellington’s waterfront, at 10am.

“Police share our condolences with Sandy’s family at this incredibly sad time,” a statement by police said.

“We would also like to thank members of the public for their assistance and concern while the search was underway.

“Enquiries in relation to the death will be made on behalf of the coroner, who will release their findings in due course.”

Calkin was last seen by his friends on Courtenay Place in the early hours of the morning on Saturday, July 10, and shortly afterwards was captured on CCTV walking along the Wellington waterfront.

In a statement on Friday evening, police said CCTV footage showed Calkin walking in a northerly direction on Queens Wharf near Shed 6 a short time later.

He was wearing a maroon hoodie, blue jeans, a black beanie and a backpack.