Greymouth search day 2

The second day into a search for a missing Greymouth man has concluded without any positive result.

The search commenced yesterday at approximately 1.00pm after a canoe carrying five people overturned at the head of a rapid in the Greymouth River.

Four persons made it to shore leaving one 32yr old male unaccounted for.

A thorough search of the river was conducted by Police, local fire volunteers, Coast Guard IRB's (Inflatable Rescue Boats') from both Greymouth and Lake Brunner. Several local jet boats were used and the area was also over flown by the Solid Energy Rescue Helicopter with a specialist swimmer on board.

Today's search focused on specific areas of the Greymouth River and utilized the Police Dive Squad supported by the members of the local jet boat club and two IRB's from the Greymouth Coast Guard Surf Rescue Unit.

It appears that two adults and three children were in the Canadian style canoe when it capsized with the youngest being four years of age. All the children were wearing life jackets; it appears that the missing man was not.

The missing man's name is Nicholas Clive McAlister, 32yrs of Greymouth.

Various Search & Rescue units in the Greymouth area will be involved in a continuous limited search pattern over the following days as weather and river conditions allow.

The matter will be referred to the Coroner.