Canterbury Police SAR can confirm that the three men recovered from the wreck of the FV Jubilee by members of the Royal New Zealand Navy’s Operational Diving Team (ODT) are those of the three crew who were understood to have been on board at the time the ship sank.
Inspector Craig McKay says this is an exceptional result and everyone on board is honoured that they were able to play a key role in returning the missing men to their families.
“Members of the ODT recovered the bodies of 55 year old Terry Donald Booth and 35 year old Paul Russell Bennett on Monday (26 October 2015 )and 47 year old Jared Reese Husband yesterday (28 October 2015). They were shown the utmost respect by everyone involved as they were recovered and transported from the wreck to Akaroa Harbour.”
Their deaths have been referred to the Coroner.
“The thoughts and prayers of everyone involved in the SAR operation are with the family, friends, colleagues and communities of the three men. Canterbury Police would also like to acknowledge the support of the Royal New Zealand Navy, members of the ODT and crew of the HMNZS MANAWANUI for their help which ultimately led to the three men being returned to their loved ones” explained Inspector McKay.
“On behalf of the Royal New Zealand Navy, I’d like to express my sincere condolences to the families of the three crewmen of FV JUBILEE,” said Commander Martin Walker, Acting Maritime Component Commander.
“Our Navy has previously assisted in this type of operation here and overseas. We are always ready to help the community in any way we can,” CDR WALKER added.
“Both the ODT and HMNZS MANAWANUI were deployed to assist in this multi-agency SAR operation and to help in returning the missing men to their families,” said Lieutenant Commander Jono Clarkson, Commanding Officer of HMNZS MANAWANUI.
The SAR recovery phase has now been completed and the HMNZS MANAWANUI, her crew and members of the ODT departed Akaroa this morning to head back to the north island.
The Police investigation on behalf of the Coroner is ongoing.
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) inquiry into the sinking of the FV Jubilee is also continuing.
Media note: A media stand-up will be held at 3.30pm this afternoon in Christchurch Central Police Station with two representatives from Canterbury Police (Inspector Craig McKay, District Operations and Support Manager and Sergeant Phil Simmonds, District SAR Coordinator) and the Royal New Zealand Navy (Lt Cdr Jono Clarkson, Commanding Officer of HMNZS MANAWANUI and Lt Cdr Greg Camburn, Commanding Officer of ODT). Please note you will need to sign in at reception prior to the standup so allow extra time for this and parking.
ENDS
Issued by: Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police
