Lost helicopter in Wanaka update

Specialist Navy and Police dive squads will continue the Lake Wanaka search for missing helicopter pilot Morgan Saxton and the Robinson R22 helicopter he was flying.

Wanaka Police station head Sergeant Aaron Nicholson said the three-day surface search by LandSAR Wanaka volunteers had now been scaled down.

'This is now a matter for specialist divers and specialist equipment,' Nicholson said.

The dive squads were being flown to Wanaka by RNZAF Hercules and were due late evening.

Nicholson said the underwater search, using specialised sonar and other equipment, would continue to centre on the oil slick found off the shore of Mou Waho (Pigeon Island) about 15km from Wanaka township.

A large commercial barge is being positioned to act as a staging platform.

As a glacier lake, Lake Wanaka reaches depths of up to 300 metres.

Thirteen boats, four helicopters (including night vision equipment) and up to 70 Land SAR search and rescue volunteers have been involved in the search since Mr Saxton was reported overdue on Saturday evening on a flight from Haast.

Mr Saxton, 31, is an experienced commercial helicopter pilot based at Haast, who was flying to Wanaka to reposition a machine for frost-fighting work.

'Everything above the water in the search area has now been thoroughly combed,' Nicholson said.

'Realistically, we have had to tell the Saxton family there is now essentially little chance of finding Morgan alive. Our sympathies and condolences go out to them.'

'As always, our thanks also go to the Land SAR volunteers. Without them, we would be unable to respond to these emergencies in the way that we do.'

Several items were found be searchers including a pilot's helmet, flight jacket and gear bag were found floating on the water on Saturday night, and other items including a helicopter seat back and first aid kit, were found washed up on the eastern shoreline of the lake.

Nicholson said the Land SAR teams would remain on standby and could be quickly activated if required.
'The major effort however is now with the divers,' he said.

Searching today was hampered by strong winds and choppy water, and a southerly front is forecast to impact the Wanaka area overnight.