Missing woman found after night stuck in mud

The missing woman was found stuck in mud not far from Maitai Bay. FILE PHOTO / PETER DE GRAAF

A woman who went missing from her Maitai Bay home last night, sparking a major search and rescue operation, has been found alive and well after a night stuck in mud.

About 7.30pm on Thursday 78-year-old Emma Skerman went for a drive with her two dogs. Police were alerted when she failed to return home.

Police searched the Karikari Peninsula overnight without success, and resumed the search this morning.

About 10.15am the woman's car was found stuck in the mud about 200m from the beach, half a kilometre from the lighthouse at the end of the peninsula.

The car became so embedded in the mud that she was unable to open the doors, and was forced to spend the night in her car.

Police, with the help of local residents, towed the car out of the mud to free her. She is currently being assessed by St John Ambulance medics.

She was expected to be taken to Kaitaia Hospital for a check-up.