Emily had been whitebaiting at the Hokitika River mouth with a family member on Thursday when she was swept away. Photo: SuppliedFamily and the dance teacher of the young Christchurch girl fatally swept out to sea while whitebaiting have posted loving social media tributes to the 9-year-old, whose body was believed found yesterday. Emily Branje's stepfather, Neil Baxter, thanked Emily for her love and affection, thirst for knowledge and passion for life. She had been whitebaiting at the Hokitika River mouth with a family member on Thursday when she was swept away. The family member, a 69-year-old man, was rescued by Emily had been swept further out and rescuers were unable to find her.

Source: Otago Daily Times September 28, 2019 21:00 UTC