Diver's body identified via advanced DNA techniques

Advanced forensic techniques have enabled Waikato Police to return the body of a missing diver to his family four months after he went missing off the coast of KAWHIA.

Detective Sergeant Ross Patterson of the Te Awamutu CIB said Police had sought the help of Auckland based Environmental Science Research (ESR) forensic experts in identifying the body which was found by an overseas tourist on Ruapuke Beach on 02 December 2010.

"Those experts used advanced DNA analysis to identify the body as that of Te Awamutu man, 36-year-old, John LINDSAY who went missing when diving with friends off Gannet Island near Kawhia on 07 November.

"Our being able to identify him is satisfying from an investigative sense and pleasing that Police are able to return John to his family".