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Tasman - Search & Rescue

Friday 18 May 2007, 11:20AM

By Infonews Editor

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MOTUEKA

Location of incident: Kahurangi National Park

Incident Type: Search & Rescue

Media Release on behalf of S/Sgt Andrews of Motueka Police

Police have scaled up the search for the missing tramper, Steve THORNBORROW. There are now 24 teams (average 3-4 persons per team) plus 2 dog teams searching Kahurangi National Park. The teams are being supported by NZ Air Force Iroquois. The search area has been extended to include Fenella, Chaffy and Cobb huts.

Searches at this point have not located any sign of the missing tramper. Police are still appealing for anyone who has tramped in the Kahurangi Park since Tuesday morning to contact the Police.

There will still be a focus on the Mount Arthur, Balloon and Flora areas.

A private helicoptor with Police / SAR personnel acting as spotters will be joining the search this morning and its focus will be to cover the more open areas of the search area.

The weather has improved overnight, the day is fine with some wind. These conditions are expected to remain for now.

Family and friends are at the search base being supported by the Motueka Victim Support.

There will be no further press release until 1600hrs unless further development.