Body recovered from Lake Moawhango

 

A body, believed to be that of Private (PTE) Michael Ross, who went missing in Lake Moawhango on 25 September, has been recovered today.

The Royal New Zealand Navy Operational Dive Team located the body in Lake Moawhango around 2.30pm this afternoon.

PTE Ross went missing after falling overboard while undertaking small boat training on Lake Moawhango late last Tuesday.  A search for him has been ongoing since that time, and has involved personnel from the NZ Police, NZ Army, and the Royal New Zealand Navy Operational Dive Team.

Commander Training and Doctrine, Colonel (COL) Evan Williams said he was proud of the way the search had been undertaken.

“At times more than 100 personnel from NZ Police, NZ Army and the Royal New Zealand Navy have been helping with the search,” COL Williams said.

“The lake is a difficult environment to search because of its depth, and sediment and growth in the bottom layer.

“Whether they have been assisting with a shoreline search, operating sonar equipment, or diving in the lake, everyone involved has showed immense professionalism and commitment to the search."

The body will now be handed over to the coroner.

The family of PTE Ross do not wish to make any comment, and have asked for privacy at this time.  The NZ Defence Force asks the media to respect their wishes.