Missing tramper in Southern District, 11:20pm 1 Jan 09

Wanaka Police and Land SAR volunteers have spent the day searching the Cascade Track in Mt Aspiring National Park looking for a missing tramper.

Sergeant Aaron Nicholson, the Wanaka Police SAR coordinator said the Wanaka LandSAR group have been searching all day by foot and via helicopter for a 36 year old Aucklander of Uzbeki descent who was tramping alone from Mt Aspiring Hut to the Dart Hut over the Cascade Saddle.

Nicholson said Irina Yun had left the Aspiring Hut at 7:00am on the 31.1.2008 and was last seen half way between the bush line and the 'pylon' near the Cascade Saddle at 9.30am.

She did not arrive at the Dart hut that evening as per her intentions.

Wanaka land SAR commenced searching this morning and by night fall there had still been no sight of the missing person.

Nicholson said 'we have grave concerns for her safety.' The weather in the area was was bad on New Year's Eve, with heavy rain for much of the day, and snow above 1800m. Heavy rain and possible snow is forecast for the area tonight and tomorrow. The area has some significant terrain hazards as well and has been the scene of fatal accidents in the past.'

Given the anticipated heavy rain fall in the area, searching options will be very limited tomorrow and Nicholson said the search may not be able to start again before Saturday.

Police are asking for any person who has seen Ms Yun in the Mt Aspiring National Park or who knows of her whereabouts to contact the Wanaka Police on 03 443 7272.

She is described as of medium build with long black hair. She was last seen wearing a yellow Mountain Designs parka and light pair of green tramping trousers She was carrying a walking pole and a small pack of unknown description.