Human remains found on a remote island off the coast of Northland have been identified as those of an Indian man who went missing during a fishing trip nearly two years ago.According to Australia Today, New Zealand Police confirmed that the remains belonged to Ferzil Babu, who disappeared in May 2024 while rock fishing near Whangārei.

Remains found on protected island

Authorities said the remains were found on December 20, 2025, on Coppermine Island, located east of Whangārei.The discovery was reported to police by a staff member from the New Zealand Department of Conservation.Following the discovery, forensic experts carried out a detailed examination. Police said pathologists, anthropologists and scientists from the Institute of Environmental Science and Research were involved in the identification process.After forensic analysis, authorities confirmed the remains were those of Ferzil Babu, who had been missing since May 2024.

Disappearance during fishing trip

Babu, 34, went missing on May 1, 2024, after he went rock fishing at The Gap, a well-known fishing spot at Taiharuru.He had been fishing with a friend, Sarath Kumar, when the pair failed to return home that night.Emergency services launched a search operation after their vehicle and belongings were found near the shoreline at Whangārei Heads.

Companion’s body found earlier

Days after the incident, Sarath Kumar, a registered nurse working at Whangārei Hospital, was found in the water by a police dive squad.However, Babu remained missing for nearly two years until the discovery of the skeletal remains on the remote island.

Family informed

Police said Babu’s family has now been informed of the identification.Coppermine Island forms part of the Hen and Chicken Islands, a protected nature reserve located about 40 km southeast of Whangārei. The island group has been under conservation protection since the early 1900s, and landing there requires special permission and strict biosecurity measures.