Police find body, believed to be teen missing off the Otago coast

Sunday, 26 January 2020

Police searching for a 14-year-old missing off the Dunedin coast since Thursday have found a body.

Otago Coastal Search and Rescue coordinator Sergeant Nathan White said they believed the body found on Sunday was that of Vinnie Beecroft, who got into difficulty swimming near Second Beach, Dunedin, on Thursday afternoon

'Formal identification is yet to take place, however, police believe it is 14-year-old Vinnie,' White said.

READ MORE: Searches resume for missing South Island swimmers

'While this is not the outcome anyone wanted from the search, our team are relieved they have been able to return Vinnie to his family.'

White said the death would be referred to the coroner. 

Beercroft's family earlier expressed their 'utmost gratitude' to the searchers.

Kathy Peters, a relative of Beecroft's, wanted to pass on 'special thanks' to NZ Search and Rescue, Police, Victim Support, Surf Life Saving NZ, and all others involved.

'Very special thoughts and thanks go to the young boys who were there with Vinnie at the time, their efforts were truly brave and heroic in their bid to help Vinnie when he got into difficulty at Seconds Cliff on Thursday afternoon.

'The boys had spent the afternoon having fun in and around the water, enjoying the day, when tragedy struck.'

Peters said Vinnie's immediate family had 'endured a number of tragic events over the years and are trying to cope with the current situation as best they can'. She asked that their privacy be respected 'at this difficult time'.

'Again, thank you to all those involved and to the services and people that know Vinnie well and have supported him in the past.

'A heartfelt thank you is expressed for the ongoing support you are offering.'