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The Southland man, Lochie Bellerby, was aboard a cattle ship that sank off the coast of Japan on September 2. He is still missing.
The family of a Southland man who has been missing at sea for a week still hopes they will find him.
Lochie Bellerby, in his 20s, and a second New Zealander, Scott Harris, 37, were among 43 crew members and 5,800 cows aboard Gulf Livestock 1 when it capsized off Japan on September 2.
Bellerby’s family said they still had hope that he and his crewmates would return.
Until they knew more, the family would not make decisions about traveling to Japan.
READ MORE:
* New images of Kiwi missing aboard a cattle boat appear the day before it capsized
* Cattle boat tragedy off Japan involving two Kiwis ‘hits deep’ on experienced operator
* Texts from the captain in the final moments when a capsized cattle boat sailed straight into the eye of the typhoon
* The family of the missing Southland man in an overturned cattle boat hope he is still alive
“Lochie’s family appreciates the kindness and consideration that MFAT showed them [Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade], Maritime NZ, police and Interpol, ” they said in a statement to Stuff on Wednesday.
The family also praised the effort and dedication of the Japanese Coast Guard, the loving support of family and friends, and their local community “during this challenging time.”
Family members also looked forward to Lochie’s brother and Canadian partner arriving home in New Zealand, they said.
Stuff understands that Bellerby grew up on a sheep farm near Te Anau and attended Fiordland College, and a friend said he was an amazing guy.
“ He was always up for an adventure and he has an amazing personality. ”
Social media posts suggest that Bellerby has made numerous trips abroad.
Graham Flett / AP
The Gulf Livestock 1 cargo ship was photographed while sailing through Port Phillip towards the Bass Strait in Australia on April 6, 2019. It sank off the coast of Japan last week.
The cattle ship he was traveling on left Napier in mid-August and headed for China when the tragedy unfolded during a severe storm.
The Japan Coast Guard continues to search the area, but only two survivors have been found.
The two New Zealanders are still missing.
