Taranaki Police confirm identity of body recovered in search off Paritutu Rock
Taranaki Police are now able to confirm the identity of the body located at the power station near the Port in New
Plymouth yesterday morning.
Incident Controller Inspector Frank Grant says the Coroner is satisfied that the body is that of 17 year old Felipe
Melo, who went missing while rockclimbing at Paritutu Rock on Wednesday 8 August, along with instructor Bryce Jourdain,
aged 42 years and 17 year old Stephen Kahukaka-Geyde.
"Today we have completed a further shoreline search in and around the Port area and Paritutu Rock, however we have not
yet located the bodies of Bryce Jourdain or Stephen Kahukaka-Gedye at this time."
Police personnel in kayaks have also conducted a further search around the Port area and a helicopter has completed an
aerial search this morning.
Inspector Grant says the search will resume again tomorrow morning.
"We are determined to return the bodies of Bryce and Stephen home to their families. We are continuing to provide
support and assistance to the families at this tragic time."
ENDS