S&R recover body of missing hunter

Search and Rescue teams have recovered the body of a missing hunter in the Clyde River Valley in Mid Canterbury.

A 50 year old Levin man was reported missing from the McCoy Hut on Saturday morning 05/06/10.

He was last seen by his hunting companions at approximately 10.00 am on Friday 04/06/10. He had been hunting alone.

Search and Rescue teams involving LandSAR and Police personnel were alerted and deployed to the search area yesterday.

Three helicopters and approximately 40 LandSAR and Police personnel, including search dog teams, were involved in the operation.

A fourth RNZAF Iroquois helicopter was enroute to the incident from Ohakea airbase but was stood down when the body was located.

The cause of death is unknown. The matter has been reported to the Coroner. Next of kin are in the process of being advised and his name will be released in due course.

Conditions in the search area were poor, with cold temperatures, snow, and poor visibility. The terrain is mountainous and there is snow and ice on the ground.

A cold front and more snow is expected to hit the area later today and the searchers were pleased to locate the man, given the conditions.

The body was found on a steep and slippery slope and was recovered by a specialist alpine and cliff rescue team from Christchurch.

The body has been identified as that of Alan Joseph WILKINSON, 50years of age, from Levin.

His family and the coroner have been notified.