A body has been recovered from a lake near Cromwell, where a French national has been missing. Photo / Supplied
A body has been recovered from a lake near Cromwell, where a French national has been missing. Photo / Supplied
A body has been found in a Central Otago lake during the search for missing Frenchman Antoine Richard.
Police confirmed the discovery was made in Lake Dunstan at Cornish Point, Cromwell, around 2.15pm today by a member of the public.
The recovered body is yet to be formally identified, policesaid in a statement, “it is believed to be the 21-year-old man reported missing in Cromwell”.
“The community support and search efforts have been extremely appreciated. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this difficult time,” police said.
Richard, 21, was reported missing last weekend after last being seen about 11.45pm on Saturday, March 21, at the Victoria Arms Hotel on the corner of Achil St and Melmore Terrace.
French national Antoine Richard was last seen in Cromwell at 11.45pm on March 21. Photo / NZ Police
A large search operation has involved police, Land Search and Rescue members from the Otago and Southland area, Coastguard and members of the community.
Earlier, Richard’s family said they had been “devastated with worry” since hearing of his disappearance.
“We are writing on behalf of his entire family, his friends, his colleagues in France and New Zealand, and all the people he loves, in the hope of finding him as soon as possible,” the statement said.
Searchers recovered the body from Cornish Point near Cromwell this afternoon. Photo / Supplied
Police had appealed for Cromwell residents to check their properties and review CCTV footage from the time Richard was last seen.
“We’re also wanting to hear from anybody who may have seen anyone matching Antoine’s description, either hitchhiking or walking in Cromwell in the early hours of Sunday, March 22,” Hamlin said.
Police have been involved in the search for Antoine Richard. Photo / Supplied
Richard was wearing a black T-shirt, light denim shorts and Crocs.
Search teams previously found a grey rubber Croc-branded sandal at the shore of Lake Dunstan and sought information from anyone who may have seen similar footwear.
Richard’s family said he went missing after playing a rugby match with the Cromwell rugby team, and thanked those involved in the search effort.
“An enormous amount of work has already been carried out by the police, the Search and Rescue team, Carrick winery where he worked, his friends, the Cromwell rugby team, local residents, and everyone who has taken part in the search. We are infinitely grateful to them.”
