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NICK STUBBS: Girlfriend Carissa De Felice was praying for a miracle.
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The man whose body was found after going missing while fishing off Martins Bay on Tuesday night has been named by police.
He was Stewart Atutahi, 37, from Snells Beach.
His fishing partner, who is still missing, was confirmed as 22-year-old Warkworth man Nicholas Stubbs.
Police this morning said they were continuing their search for Stubbs, and were supporting the families of both men.
Stubbs and Atutahi went missing after heading out for an afternoon fishing trip at St Martin's Bay, north of Auckland.
Atutahi's body was discovered near Kawau Island yesterday afternoon after an extensive search when the pair failed to return home on Tuesday evening.
Debris from their 4m red fibreglass runabout had also been discovered.
This morning, Stubbs' girlfriend said life without him would be "unthinkable."
Carissa De Felice was praying for a miracle.
"Somehow the hardest day imaginable has come and I'm just praying for a miracle to find Nick alive," she wrote on Facebook.
"Life is unthinkable without you. Let's bring you home babe! Love you with all of my heart, I will never give up. Together forever!"
Nick's sister Janelle Stubbs said on Facebook: "My well-wishes are with my brother's friend's family and that I just want my brother home."
Stubbs' family arrived at Martins Bay this morning about 9.30am.
Stubbs' father and sister walked the shoreline and stood with police as the search continued. The family requested privacy.
A family friend who was at the beach this morning said residents in the area had been "really lovely", offering the family food and a place to stay the night.
A number of Stubbs' friends from Mahurangi College arrived earlier with their boats to assist in the search.
The search will continue today after police launch Deodar searched throughout the night using specialist equipment.
Police said information gathered would be analysed this morning in the search, which will be conducted by land, sea and air.
Navy rigid inflatable boats, Coastguard and the local harbourmaster were involved in yesterday's search in the water, while the Coastguard and rescue helicopters were also involved.
Acting Rodney area commander Inspector Mark Fergus said yesterday it had been "a very sad day" following the discovery of the body.
Atutahi's family were being aided by Victim Support and police.
''It's pretty tough for them,'' he said.
The incident had come as a blow to the tight-knit Warkworth community, Fergus said.
The vessel had life jackets.
stuff.co.nz
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