Describing their operation as transiting from one of recovery to extraction, a multi-agency team working to recover a crashed aircraft from the ocean floor off the Waikato coast say their mission has been a success.
Waikato Police Operations Manager, Inspector John Kelly, said it was with a great deal of satisfaction, tinged with sadness that he can announce the successful recovery of the second body from the ocean depths.
"At the same time the Navy has been successful in recovering a significant part of the wreckage.
"All staffed involved in the operation, both professional and volunteers, are privileged to have been able to return Eric and Katherine to their family and friends."
Mr Kelly said the next steps would see the body transported to Auckland where a post mortem on both bodies recovered will take place.
Speaking on behalf of the Royal New Zealand Navy the Commanding Officer of the Operational Dive Team, Lieutenant Commander Trevor Leslie said this afternoon's recovery was a fitting conclusion to all the hard work completed by the agencies involved.
"As we saw yesterday this recovery wasn't without its challenges and the Navy is proud to have been able to play its part, alongside the partner agencies involved, in returning both people from the plane to their loved ones.
"Though buoyed by the success the navy personnel from the ODT and HMNZS Manawanui also recognise this recovery is tinged with sadness and we would like to express our sympathies to their families."
Mr Kelly said the Police investigation is on behalf of the Coroner. The aircraft itself will be transported to Auckland by the Navy on behalf of the Civil Aviation Authority where accident investigators will now take charge of the investigation.
"Family and friends of the Hertz's have been informed of the recovery and expressed their gratitude for the efforts of all the agencies involved."
For media enquiries in relation to the CAA investigation the point of contact is;
Mike Richards
Manager Corporate Communications
Direct +64 (04)560 9577 Mobile +64 (0)272 220 290
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