Hunt For Missing Doc Volunteer Suspended

An extensive search and rescue operation has sadly failed to find the Department of Conservation volunteer missing on Raoul Island since Monday morning.

The missing man has been named as 33-year old Mihai Marcus Nagy (pronounce Mee-high Mar-cuss Nar-jee)of Romania.

DOC Warkworth Great Barrier Island Area Manager Tim Brandenburg says that despite extensive efforts by DOC staff, working in consultation with the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ), Mr Muncus-Nagy has not been located.

“Given the length of time that has now passed without finding Mihai, it’s unfortunately now gone beyond the point where he could reasonably still be expected to be alive. Therefore, in discussions with RCCNZ, the difficult decision has been made to formally suspend the search.

“Our hearts and thoughts are now with his family in Romania.”

Mr Brandenburg says support is being given to Mr Muncus-Nagy’s family back in Romania who have accepted that he is unlikely to have survived. Plans are being considered to bring Mr Muncus-Nagy’s wife to New Zealand and enable her to visit Raoul, should she wish to do so.

Fellow DOC staff have also found the loss hard to accept, he says.

“Everyone involved has found this a difficult time, trying to keep the search and hope going, but then having to accept that the outcome is not going to be good. We are devastated to think we have lost a dedicated conservationist like Mihai.”

Mr Muncus-Nagy joined the team on the island at the end of October, fulfilling one of his dreams to go to Raoul. His mountaineering experience and ability to work in small teams in the outdoors made him a good fit for the work involved.

“We do know Mihai was very happy to have the opportunity to contribute to the programme on the island. He was passionate about his work, both as a volunteer for the Department and as a ranger back in Romania. His workmates on Raoul tell me he was a popular, fun loving and capable person - and a joy to have around. He will be hugely missed,” says Mr Brandenburg.

DOC and the Department of Labour will be carrying out a full investigation into the incident to piece together what may have happened in this tragic incident

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