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Police locate hunters missing overnight in Marlborough

Monday 25 July 2011, 2:39PM

By New Zealand Police

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MARLBOROUGH

Three men have been located but are yet to be recovered after getting lost yesterday afternoon in the Onamalutu Valley area in Marlborough and spending in the night in the bush.

The trio was hunting for pigs as part of the Woodbourne Tavern Pig Hunt. One of the men contacted his wife via cell phone about 4.30pm yesterday, saying they believed they were in the Mt Fraser area, but were lost and that it had started snowing.

The woman notified police about 10pm that the men were missing and a search and rescue operation was launched.

A search team of seven police are in the area, along with the rescue helicopter.

Two of the men are known to be experienced hunters, with a reasonable knowledge of the area. They have two experienced pig dogs with them, along with a four month-old puppy.

Search and Rescue Co-ordinator Senior Sergeant Peter Payne said the men were not equipped for spending the night in the bush.

"At this time of year the weather can change quickly and these men haven't taken adequate precautions."

Senior Sergeant Payne said food and other supplies had been located at the men's car.

Police had intermittent contact with the men via text message. They had indicated that they were okay and walking towards Onamalutu Valley.

About 11am today the men's location was identified by the rescue helicopter, but they are yet to be picked up.