Picton man missing

On the 3rd of November 2009 Police commenced enquiries into the whereabouts of a Christopher Derek John PURDY aged 56 years, who was reported missing by a friend.

Mr PURDY is a local Picton resident who resides on his yacht which is currently moored in the Picton Harbour.

He was last seen on Wednesday night the 28th October 2009 at the Oxley's Tavern then the Irish Bar.

A dinghy was retrieved by Coastguard in the early hours of the Thursday the 29th October which Police believe belongs to Mr PURDY.

Police and Coastguard have searched the Picton foreshore without success and the Police National Dive Squad will travel from Wellington today to assist with further searches this afternoon.

Police have concerns for the safety of Mr Purdy.

If anyone has any information in regards to Mr Purdy's whereabouts, please contact the Picton Police Station on (03) 5203120.

A further media release will be made this afternoon as more facts are known.