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 almost two years ago.according to Australia TodayNew Zealand police have confirmed that the remains belong to Ferzil Babu, who disappeared in May 2024 while rock hunting near Whangarei.
Remains were found on the protected island
Authorities said the remains were found on December 20, 2025, on Coppermine Island, located east of Whangarei.The discovery was reported to police by a New Zealand Department of Conservation employee.After the discovery, forensic experts conducted 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 that the remains were those of Ferzil Babu, who had been missing since May 2024.
Disappearance during a fishing trip
Babu, 34, disappeared on May 1, 2024, after going fishing at The Gap, a popular fishing spot in Taiharuru.He was fishing with his friend Sarath Kumar, when the couple failed to return home that night.Emergency services launched a search after their car and belongings were found near the beach at Whangarei Heads.
Rafiq’s body was found earlier
Days after the incident, a police dive team found Sarath Kumar, a registered nurse working at Whangarei Hospital, in the water.However, Babu remained missing for nearly two years until skeletal remains were discovered on the remote island.
I informed the family
Babu’s family has now been informed of his identification, police said.Coppermine Island forms part of the Chicken and Chicken Islands, a nature reserve located about 40 km south-east of Whangarei. The group of islands has been under the protection of the reserve since the early 1900s, and landing there requires a special permit and strict biosecurity measures.