Greek tourist missing on Mt Ruapehu - located

At about 9.00pm on Saturday 6 February Police were advised of a Greek tourist missing on Mt Ruapehu. The tourist, a 30 year old male, Marios Symeonidis had become separated from his companion at about 6.30pm and had not been seen since. The tourist and his companion had only intended a short walk on Mt Ruapehu and was he not fully or well equiped for an overnight stay on the mountain.

Police immediately commenced a search and rescue operation.

Overnight the missing tourist e-texted members of his family in Greece. The e-texts stated that he was lost but not injured and at one point indicated that he could see a police 4 x 4 vehicle on the mountain. The e-text's indicated that he was unable to get to the police vehicle as there was a stream between him and the vehicle. The family who received the e-text's in Greece were communicating information as it was e-text'd with Police in New Zealand through the Greece emergency services.

Four search teams were deployed onto Mt Ruapehu by foot. These search teams were from Ruapehu Search and Rescue (SAR) and the Ruapehu Alpine Rescue Organisation (RARO). A helicopter from Taupo was also deployed as part of the search and rescue effort.

The missing tourist was located on the Bruce Road on Mt Ruapehu at about 10.00am this morning. Apart from being cold and tired from his experience he was otherwise fit and well. He was uplifted and taken to the SAR HQ in the Iwikau Village.

The Greek ambassador in Wellington communicated to the Police Central Communications Centre that he was extremely pleased with the efforts of the Police and all personnel involved with the search. He thanked them for their professionalism, efficiency and efforts in locating Marios.