A community of people gathered on the shore as the search began on Friday morning. PHOTO/GIANINA SCHWANECKE
Two bodies found are believed to be that of a father and son who went missing while diving for paua near Mataikona on Friday morning.
The two bodies were found by the police national dive squad on Saturday evening off the Wairarapa coast near Mataikona.
Police search and rescue controller Sergeant Tony Matheson said formal identification had yet to take place.
He said police were working to support the family involved who were distraught at the loss of their loved ones.
Police thanked all those involved in the search on Friday and Saturday.
Sending a lot of love and support to the family. Be assured your loved ones are now in peace in the arms of our creator. Our passage in this life is temporary and we all return to where we came from. It will not be long until you are all united again. Until then I wish you all the strength in the world to carry on for the loved ones that still remain.
Much love to your whanau
Mine and my families condolences to the family. ? may god bless you with the strength to get thru this horrific time xo
How absolutely tragic & heartbreaking my heart goes out to you & your family at this time So sorry for your immense loss ??❤❤
I would like to give thanks and blessings to all the brave people who have risked their lives to bring our babies back to my whanau. I am so humbled by your actions.
I would also like to thank Tangaroa for allowing us to have our babies back so soon and to limit my whanau and their friends from any further anguish. My whanau do not have to look out at the ocean now hoping and praying for a miracle.
We have our babies back. Thank you everyone and God Bless you all.
God bless the family, sending strength and courage getting through such an horrific time… ???