Air NZ pilot found dead after week-long search

The body of an Air New Zealand pilot missing in Hong Kong for a week was found last night.

Hong Kong police spokeswoman Candice Siu confirmed that the body of 51-year-old Steve Morrissey had been discovered about 6.30pm (NZ time), near the town of Pat Sin Wu in the Tai Po district.

"We didn't find any obvious wounds on his body. At this point we believe it's not suspicious," Ms Siu said.

Mr Morrissey had been hiking on the Wilson Trail, in the New Territories area of Hong Kong.

Chief Inspector Maggie Sze of the Tai Po police said she believed Mr Morrissey had tried to take a shortcut, lost his way, and collapsed from exhaustion as he tried to find his way out.

Police reports said he had ventured about 200 metres from the path. "There's no path leading to the spot [where the body was found]," Ms Siu said.

Police officers found Mr Morrissey's backpack, watch and his camera at the scene, and members of his family who had travelled from New Zealand later confirmed his identity.

Earlier, there were fears the pilot could have been attacked on the trail, as it is a smuggling route for goods into mainland China.

However, police have so far ruled out foul play.

It is understood a post-mortem examination will be carried out today.

Mr Morrissey was reported missing after he went hiking with his colleague Captain Mark Apperley seven days ago.

The two separated towards the end of the walk. Mr Morrissey continued on, while Captain Apperley took a rest.

They agreed to meet at the end of the track to catch a bus back to their hotel together.

Captain Apperley did not see Mr Morrissey again and returned to the hotel to get help.

Later that night, police began a search using tracker dogs.

Mr Morrissey did not report for duty the next day, when he was scheduled to help fly a Boeing 777 to London.

Last night, Air New Zealand chief executive Rob Fyfe said it was with "deep sadness" that he had learned of the discovery of Mr Morrissey's body.

Hopes that the pilot would be found alive had not been realised, he said, "but it is with some sense of relief that Steve has at least been found and we can bring him home".

In a statement, Mr Morrissey's family said: "We are extremely grateful to the police, fire service and search and rescue teams here in Hong Kong for all their hard work over the past week.

"We are overwhelmed with the amazing support we have received from our friends and family in New Zealand."

Air New Zealand chief pilot Dave Morgan accompanied Mr Morrissey's family and several colleagues to Hong Kong to help with the search, the South China Morning Post reported.

More than 50 emergency service personnel searched for Mr Morrissey, with helicopter support.

- Staff reporter, NZPA