Search and Rescue in Southern District, 10:00pm 4 Jan 2009

After a break in the weather this afternoon, members of the Wanaka Police and Volunteer Search and Rescue groups were able to fly back into Mt Aspiring National Park to continue their search for missing tramper, Irina Yun.
Sergeant Aaron Nicholson, the Wanaka Police SAR Controller said that at approximately 2.30pm today 4 teams were able to re-enter areas of the Cascade Saddle - Dart track to focus on areas of high risk.
Members of the Alpine Cliff Rescue team flew into the steep rock bluffs situated below the area of the route know as the Pylon. It has been the scene of 2 previous fatal accidents in the past 4 seasons and is where Ms Yun was last seen.
The other 3 sub-Alpine teams focused on areas around the route where a tramper could have fallen.
This included area's around the bergshrund on the fringe of the Dart Glacier, around the foot of Mt Tindall and all the hazardous side creeks leading into the Dart River.
Unfortunately the searching today produced no further clues or information to provide further assistance in identifying Ms Yun's whereabouts.
Weather permitting, teams will again be deployed early on Monday morning.
Sgt Aaron Nicholson
SAR Co-ordinator
Wanaka Police
03 443 7272

Issued By: Inspector Alan Weston