Tramper washed downstream - Mingha River, Arthurs Pass

At 11.30 am today police were advised of a missing tramper in the Mingha River, Arthurs Pass. A party of people were tramping in the area when one of the party has slipped or fallen into the river and has been washed downstream.

Police have put a helicopter into the area to conduct an aerial search. Search and rescue staff are unable to walk into the area due to the weather conditions and the river being in flood.

The tramper had been missing for approximately 45 - 50 minutes before police were notified by DOC at Arthurs Pass. They had been contacted by radio from the Goat Pass hut by other members of the tramping party.