Appeal for sightings of dinghy near Browns Island

Auckland Police are wanting to find the owners of a dinghy found last week near Browns Island, as enquiries continue into how a woman came to be on the island.
 
A 38-year-old woman was rescued from Browns Island last Thursday (November 3) after being stranded there for three nights. 
 
Auckland Police Detective Sergeant John De Heer says enquiries are continuing to establish the facts surrounding how the woman got there, and the circumstances around the fire on the island on Thursday.
 
A white dinghy with an orange-coloured trim, and no oars or motor, was seen floating between Browns Island and Musick Point around 3.30pm last Monday (October 31). Police Maritime Unit Deodar received a phone call from a person reporting the dinghy floating, so Deodar located it and towed it back to Auckland.
 
“This was found on the same day the woman says she was left stranded on Browns Island, so we're to keen hear of any sightings of the dinghy between Browns Island and Musick Point on October 31. Obviously one possible line of enquiry being considered is the woman reached the island by dinghy and it is, in some way, connected to the enquiry.”
 
“We also have no indication of who owns the dinghy so we’re keen to return it to its owners,” says Detective Sergeant De Heer.
 
He says the woman has recovered from her experience and it is too early to say whether or not any charges may result from the fire.
 
Police would like to hear from anyone who has information about the dinghy by contacting Auckland Crime Squad on 09 302 6557 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
 
Ends
 
Media note: A photograph of the dinghy is attached.
 
Kim Chambers / NZ Police