Search & rescue operation for 70 year-old man in Kumara

A Search & Rescue operation was launched at approximately 1.00pm on the 27th of January 2010 in the Greenstone River near Kumara after a vehicle belonging to a local man was located on a side road.

The man was reported missing to police on the 26th January 2010 and enquiry's revealed he was last seen on the 21st January at a mine site, also in the Greenstone River area.

Police believe he has driven his vehicle several hundred meters up the road from the main mine site, parked on the side road and walked back down into the Greenstone River to investigate other areas of the claim.

This is something he does regularly and he knows the area well.

The missing man is 70 year old Hugh McAllister of Kumara who lives alone, hence the delay in his being reported missing.

Three Specialist Search & Rescue dog teams from the Tasman Police district assisted by two Land Search & Rescue Teams from Hokitika in an initial search of the area on the 27th without success.

Coast Wide helicopters were also called in to assist with an aerial search, also without success.

This morning two Search & Rescue dog teams are currently in the search area being supported by six Land Search & Rescue teams. The teams are made up of Land SAR members from Murchison, Reefton, Westport, Hokitika & Greymouth.

Parts of the search area are frequented by recreational users including mountain bikers who travel the 'no name' road north of the Taramakau River through to the Greenstone River. Greymouth Police would like to hear from anyone that may have seen Mr. McAllister or his white well side two wheel drive ute between the 21st & 27th January 2010.

Given the time delay from when Mr. McAlister was last seen, police hold fears for his safety. There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his disappearance.