The boat capsized in Manukau Harbour on Sunday. Photo:
Police say one person is still missing after a boat carrying five people capsized in Auckland's Manukau Harbour on Sunday evening.
One person died in the accident, and is yet to be identified.
An Eagle helicopter will continue the aerial search today.
The principal of Sandspit Rd School in Waiuku confirmed yesterday that the missing person is one of its students and said the community was devastated.
Today, the school grounds were quiet and the school could not give further comment.
Franklin ward councillor Andy Baker said the tragedy had left the community "absolutely reeling".
He said victim support was expected at the school today and the community was rallying round their loss.
Baker said he was hoping for the best and that they would find the "young fella" soon.
A community worker said many Waiuku residents are continuing look out for the missing child along the coastline of Awhitu Rd.
Baker said Manukau Harbour was a "really tricky" piece of water to navigate.
He said people often did not treat water and harbours like Manukau with respect and put themselves at risk by not wearing lifejackets.
"It's like climbing into car and not putting on your seatbelt," he said.
A Waiuku local living near the eastern coast of the Awhitu Peninsula said she noticed police cars heading to the coast this morning.
The resident said she saw a procession of two police cars and three other cars heading towards the coast, as well as a helicopter circling in the area.
This area is opposite to Clarks Beach where the boat had capsized.
Jay from Waiuku said many in the community are helping with the search along the coast.
She said she is holding onto hope.
"I just hope that they find him alive.
"That would be the best-case scenario, but I hope the family get closure, and the little boy's brought home."
