Paddling News

A New Zealand inquest into the death of Australian kayaker Andrew McAuley will hopefully provide some answers for his grieving family, a friend says.

Mr McAuley, 39, was presumed drowned in February after disappearing on the last stage of a solo voyage across the Tasman. A New Zealand inquest into the death of Australian kayaker Andrew McAuley will hopefully provide some answers for his grieving family, a friend says.

Mr McAuley, 39, was presumed drowned in February after disappearing on the last stage of a solo voyage across the Tasman.

A New Zealand coroner has announced an inquest will be held, although no date for the hearing has yet been set.

Family friend Ben Deacon said news of the inquest was welcome.

"I think for the family the fact the inquest is taking place is a good thing," he said.

"Hopefully, it will provide some answers, which will be some comfort to the family."

Mr Deacon said Mr McAuley's widow Vicki and son Finlay were receiving a lot of love and support.

"They are a close family," he said.

"It's been an extremely difficult time but they are getting through it as best they can."

Mr Deacon said he was now waiting to hear whether he would have to travel to New Zealand for the hearing.

"There were a number of us involved in the expedition," he said.

"We've all got stories to tell.

"Whether they are relevant to the inquest we will wait and see."

Mr McAuley was trying to become the first solo kayaker to cross the Tasman Sea but got into distress almost at the completion of his journey - about 50 nautical miles off the coast of Milford Sound on the South Island's west coast.

A distress call was made on February 9 and his semi-submerged kayak was discovered the next day.

The search continued until February 12 but his body was never recovered.

An Australian inquest into Mr McAuley's death was opened and adjourned in March, pending a decision on a hearing by New Zealand authorities.

Source: smh.com.au