Police name missing boatie

Police have named the 59-year-old Timaru man missing after his boat overturned last night on Lake Alexandrina, near Lake Tekapo in South Canterbury.

He is Francis Paton Sanders.

Four people were aboard the row boat when it tipped over about 5pm, Senior Constable Brent Swanson of Lake Tekapo police said.

Three of the men spent about two hours in the water before making it to shore and raising the alarm, Mr Swanson said.

One of the survivors was flown to Timaru hospital suffering from hypothermia.

A search by local hut owners, a jet boat and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter failed to locate the missing man last night and searches resumed today.

Police dive squad members from Lake Tekapo and Wellington were helping in the search.

At the time the boat capsized the weather was mild but there was a strong northwesterly wind blowing across the lake, Mr Swanson said.

None of the people on the boat were wearing life jackets.

- NZPA