Missing Diver - South Canterbury

A Search and Rescue Operation has commence for a missing diver off the coast of South Canterbury.

Inspector Dave Gaskin, Area Commander for Mid South Canterbury Police said the alarm was raised at approximately 3 p.m when a diver failed to surface following an expedition in the vicinity of a wreck, which is 22 miles off the coast from Timaru.

It is believed the diving party were ascending from a depth of 60 meters when one of the party disappeared.
The search is being coordinated by the RCC in Wellington with assistance from the Timaru Port Company using the local fishing fleet and Coastguard.

Helicopter assistance has been provided from both Christchurch and Dunedin.

At this stage the search will continue until further notice.