Navy divers are to be called in to help with a search for the plane that ditched 30km south west of Raglan on Saturday. Inspector Marcus Lynam, Road Policing Manager for the Waikato told journalists at the Raglan Police Station at 2.30pm, “The area where the plane hit the water at 60 metres is at the limit for the Police Dive Team and we will plan tonight with the Navy on how best to search inside the aircraft.” He said, ” Expert opinion is that the bodies would still be inside the aircraft.”
Overnight Police had worked through Interpol to contact the family of the two people believed to have been on board the aircraft when it reported engine trouble and ditched into the sea off Gannet Island.
“The two occupants are believed to be the aircraft’s owner, 58-year-old Eric Bennett Hertz and his 64-year old wife, Katherine Picone Hertz. The couple were US citizens who both had NZ residency.”
“Officers worked overnight with colleagues in Interpol and the US Consulate in Auckland to ensure relatives in the United States were informed while staff here located the couple’s daughter. New Zealand Police would like to convey their sympathies to the family at this time.”
Inspector Lynam went on to add that Gallagher Rescue, the CoastGuard vessel, had taken the Police Dive Team as well as a set of sonar equipment to the crash site 30km south west of Raglan late this morning. The sonar equipment is now being used to pinpoint the location of the aircraft on the ocean floor. He said that the site was marked with a buoy last night and that the public are being asked to keep at least 40 metres away from site and the CoastGuard vessel.
Due to the complexity of recovering the bodies from this depth, he said that it is likely to take some time. Police would be able to provide a timeline tommorrow after working with the Navy on the best approach.
Earlier 2Degrees paid tribute to Eric and Kathy Hertz
The 2degrees team is shocked and deeply saddened by the loss of its CEO Eric Hertz and his wife Kathy following a plane crash off the Raglan coast yesterday.
Given the Police recovery effort is just beginning, the company cannot comment on the accident, but does wish to thank those from New Zealand and around the world who have offered their condolences and support.
Director of Corporate Affairs Mat Bolland says the company is providing all support possible to Eric and Kathy’s daughter and keeping their families in the US informed of the progress of recovery.
“We appreciate there is significant media interest in the accident, however the family has asked media not to contact them directly. A statement from the family will be released in due course,” he says.
Eric joined 2degrees in 2009, fresh from leading a mobile app company ‘Zumobi’ in the US and had an extensive telecommunications career spanning more than 30 years and six countries.
“Eric and Kathy had lived in many places, but called New Zealand home. They recently gained residency and, through flying, got to see more of New Zealand than many of us will ever see,” says Mr Bolland.
“Kathy was also passionate about her new home, working closely with AUT and providing us with sound counsel on community initiatives.”
Mr Bolland says among 2degrees staff there is shock at the loss of someone who would always greet you with a smile, while constantly encouraging you to do things differently and delight customers.
The results of Eric’s challenge and leadership style can be seen in the rapid growth of 2degrees and prices people pay for mobile today.
“We are going to miss Eric’s leadership, friendship and dry sense of humour. He was our ‘honorary Kiwi’ and greatly respected by our 760 staff.”
Mr Bolland says 2degrees Chairman Stewart Sherriff and the Board are working with the company’s management to ensure business continuity.
Communications and Information Technology Minister Amy Adams has today also paid tribute to 2degrees chief executive Eric Hertz.
Eric and his wife Kathy are believed dead after their plane crashed into the sea following engine problems yesterday.
“My thoughts are with Eric and Kathy’s family, friends, and the team at 2degrees as they come to terms with this terrible tragedy,” says Amy.
“Eric was one of the true gentlemen of the sector and it was a pleasure to work with him.
“He often spoke of how much he loved living in New Zealand. Only recently I ran into him at the Waimakariri Gorge while he was competing in this year’s Coast to Coast.”
Eric joined 2degrees in 2009 and made a substantial difference to the telecommunications scene in New Zealand.
“He has been an integral part of the creation and growth of 2degrees, and there are hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders who are today benefiting from Eric’s vision and commitment.
“Eric will leave a significant gap in the telecommunications community.”