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The Honfleur where it was found 11 nautical miles east of Mayor Island and Richard Rusbatch, believed missing from the yacht - Source: Supplied -
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The search for missing yachtsman Richard Rusbatch has been
suspended, after two days of searching failed to find him.
"Sadly, despite an exhaustive land, sea and air search over the
last two days, there has been no sign of Rusbatch," said Rescue
Mission Coordinator Dave Wilson.
"Given the length of time that has passed since he went missing, unfortunately it has now gone beyond the point where he could reasonably still be expected to be found alive."
The absence of new information contributed to the decision said Wilson, which was made after discussion with Police and Rusbatch's family.
Rusbatch, 56, was an experienced sailor and charter boat operator from Russell. His 38 foot, single-masted yacht, Honfleur, was found on Tuesday morning, with its motor running and its anchor dragging in the water.
According to a man who spoke with Rusbatch before he set sail from Tauranga, he was returning to the Bay of Islands after sailing with four Russians to Tauranga.
Police said they believed the yacht, with only one person on-board, left Tauranga for Paihia last Sunday, February 12.
Late last night police called off their search, after scouring an extensive area between Mayor and Motiti Islands.
A coastguard vessel completed a circumnavigation of Mayor Island, searching the shoreline, while two LandSAR teams covered the island inland.
A plane was also used to search a 900 square kilometre area east
of the island.
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