Helicopter crash: Search underway

Photo / file

A search is underway for the two occupants of a crashed helicopter on the West Coast.

Police said the helicopter was flying from Wanaka to the West Coast, and was reported missing at 9.15pm last night.

Two people were on board.

Two helicopters, sent to search for the overdue chopper by the New Zealand Rescue Coordination centre, were stood down just after midnight due to weather conditions, police said.

A search resumed about 7.30am today, and the wreckage of the missing helicopter was found at 8.45am in the Fish River, near the gates of Haast.

"A search has been initiated to determine the status of the two occupants," police said.