Search and rescue in Canterbury District, 9:00pm 6 Dec

At about 10:30 am on Saturday the 6th of December 2008 a male tramper has died while attempting to cross the Waimakariri River near Klondyke Corner in the Arthur's Pass National Park.

The male was part of a tramping group who had just started out on their overnight tramp in the area. He was attempting to cross the river with two other members of his party when he appears to have stumbled and fallen into the water.

The male has then been swept down stream for some distance before being pulled from the water by members of his party.

Police are unable to release the name of the deceased until next of kin have been notified.

A further media release will be available at about 1000hrs on Sunday 7th December 2008.