Search and Rescue in Southern District, 10:00am

Wanaka Police and Land SAR volunteers have been stymied by bad weather today when attempting to continue their search for missing tramper, Irina Yun.

Sergeant Aaron Nicholson, the Wanaka Police SAR coordinator said the Wanaka Land SAR group attempted to get access to the cascade track area this morning at 6.00am before being forced back by poor weather conditions. An earlier attempt at 4.00am by a helicopter search team, utilising night vision equipment was also forced back due to poor visibility and weather issues.

Sergeant Nicholson said low cloud, rain and snow on the ground has limited any constructive searching opportunities and is at present preventing access to the area.

The high water levels, steep terrain, very dangerous wet and snow covered tussock grass mean that safety of our volunteers remain a prominent consideration and at this time we have suspended the search until there is a significant weather improvement. Unfortunately the long term forecast suggests very unsettled weather all week.

Nicholson said 'We will be monitoring the weather on hourly bases and if a window appears we will attempt to get back into the area concerned'.

Ms Yun has been missing since the 31.12.2008 from the Mt Aspiring Hut and was last seen at 9.30am heading up the Cascade track with intentions of walking through to the Dart Hut. She did not arrive at the Hut that day and has not been seen since.