Search & Rescue Operation Jackson Bay continues

A Search & Rescue Operation involving the Police National Dive Squad will continue today for a missing diver at Hapuka Rock, Jackson Bay south of Haast.

The alarm was raised shortly after midday yesterday by one of the diver's companions, after he failed to surface.

Three local boats, and four helicopters were involved in the initial search and despite near perfect conditions, failed to locate any sign of the missing diver.

The Rescue Coordination Centre based in Wellington assisted by calculating drift patterns in the area, and together with local knowledge assisted search resources in focusing on high probability area's.

GPS (Global Positioning Data) data downloaded from the aircraft show the search area was well covered.

The missing man is a 38yr old Dunedin resident of German decent, his name will not be released until Next of Kin have been advised.

Local Haast police officer Snr Constable Manera wishes to acknowledge the assistance from locals and thank the Jackson Bay community for the way they rallied to assist the operation.