The search for a boat missing somewhere between New Zealand and Norfolk Island has been upgraded to alert phase.
The 92-foot steel-hulled Alvei was due en route from Norfolk Island and due to arrive in the Bay of Islands five days ago on December 1.
A plane which has been scouring the sea from Opua to Norfolk Island is due to land soon and further plans will be made after that.
Nine people are believed to be on board the vessel, including one New Zealander.
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Despite having no radio contact, searchers are hopeful they can find the Alvei .
The alarm was raised when the mother of one of the crew became
concerned that her daughter had not contacted her.
