Police release names of trio missing off New Plymouth

Taranaki Police are now able to release the names of the three people missing since yesterday afternoon off Paritutu Rock in New Plymouth.

They are:

Bryce John Jourdain, aged 42 years, of New Plymouth.
Stephen Lewis Kahukaka-Gedye, aged 17 years, of New Plymouth. (Please note Gedye is pronounced Geddee).
Joao Felipe Martins De Melo, known as Felipe Melo, aged 17 years, of Brazil.

Incident Controller Inspector Frank Grant says the search for the trio is continuing this afternoon with sea, land and aerial searches currently underway.

“Police are providing support to the families of Bryce, Stephen and Felipe. They have asked for privacy at this time and do not wish to be contacted by media today. The family of Stephen would like to express their thanks to all those involved in the search and to staff and students at Spotswood College.“

A media conference will be held at Civil Defence Emergency Management Office at 45 Robe Street, New Plymouth at 2:30pm this afternoon.

ENDS

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