Missing fishermen planned to play for Balfour Rugby Club this year

Thursday, 31 January 2019

Slope Point, where two fishermen have been missing since Sunday.

The two missing fishermen at Slope Point in the Catlins had intentions of playing for the Balfour Rugby Club's senior team this year.

Police named the pair on Thursday. They are dairy industry workers 23-year-old Shaun Orchard, of Tapanui, and 28-year-old Hendrix Kamo, of Riversdale. The families of the men are being supported by Police and Victim Support.

Balfour Rugby Club president Bevan Roy said Orchard and Kamo had been involved with the club for a couple of years.

'They were great to have around the club, they were genuine guys,' Roy said.

'I feel sorry for their families … it's very sad.'

Roy, a shepherd in the Wendonside area, saw Kamo on the road most days.

'I'd see him and give him a wave.'

Kamo and Orchard were swept off rocks while fishing at Slope Point on Sunday afternoon. Land Search and Rescue are continuing to search daily in the wider Slope Point area,

However, all search activities are dependent on weather conditions at the time.

MORE TO COME …