PHOTO: SUPPLIEDThe family of a Southland man missing in the East China Sea are preparing to launch their own rescue plan, saying lack of support from the New Zealand Government has left them no choice. "It would appear that we have no choice but to be ready to mount a private, locally organised response and rescue plan." "If the satellite search identifies ‘objects of interest’, we remain unclear about what the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade [Mfat] and the wider Government plan to do to mobilise quickly." An Mfat spokeswoman said it was continuing to provide "all assistance possible" to the family and was keeping them updated regularly. Yesterday, Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters discussed the search with Japan’s Foreign Affairs Minister Motegi Toshimitsu.

Source: Otago Daily Times September 16, 2020 15:11 UTC