Search and Rescue - Central Otago

A search and Rescue Operation is currently underway near the Talla Burn Power Station on the Millennium Track Road near Beaumont in Central Otago.

Police were called shortly before 3pm this afternoon (Wednesday 2 February 2011) and advised a 27 year old Roxburgh man was missing and believed to have fallen into the Clutha River. The man was working in the area and left about 12.30pm to collect water samples from the river but did not return.

Helicopters from Alexandra and Dunedin are currently searching the area along with Police staff from Alexandra, Roxburgh and Balclutha, Clyde Coastguard and local Search and Rescue staff and are carrying out an air, river and ground search.

Items of interest have been located in the river and grave fears are held for the mans safety.

His family are at the scene with Police and Victim Support staff, with some family members joining the search party. The man will not be named until other family members are informed.

This incident is ongoing and no further information is available at this time.