The body of 59-year-old Pleasant Point fisherman Peter Hunter was recovered off the coast of Timaru yesterday morning after it is believed his fishing trawler sank.
Search co-ordinator Senior Constable Brent Swanson said Mr Hunter's body was found at sea by fishing vessel Ikawai about 10.50am, and transferred to the Timaru Coastguard.
It is believed the Mr Hunter's vessel sank as the result of an accident, as the body was found in a life jacket among debris thought to be from the lost boat.
Mr Hunter was reported overdue at about 11pm on Wednesday after failing to return from fishing 10-12 nautical miles off the coast of Waimate, about 50km south of Timaru.
He had been due back in port in his 10m steel-hulled vessel, Journeyman, between 6-7pm after indicating about midday that he was heading back to the port.
Eleven fishing vessels based in Timaru, and Coastguard staff from Christchurch and Timaru were involved in the search.
Tekapo-based Air Safaris Ltd provided air support and New Zealand Land Search and Rescue (LandSAR) was also involved.
