Indian Man Missing in New Zealand Fishing Trip Identified After Two Years

Indian Man Missing in New Zealand Fishing Trip Identified After Two Years

Ferzil Babu, a 34-year-old Indian man, went missing during a rock fishing trip near Whangārei in May 2024. His remains were found on December 20, 2025, on Coppermine Island, part of the Hen and Chicken Islands nature reserve. Police confirmed through forensic analysis that the remains belonged to Babu, who had been missing since his disappearance. His companion, Sarath Kumar, was also found dead in the water shortly after the incident. The family has been informed of the discovery. Coppermine Island is located about 40 km southeast of Whangārei, requiring special permission and biosecurity measures for landings.