Police National Dive Squad to join search for boatie missing on Southland's Lake Hauroko

Search co-ordinator Sergeant Ian Martin of Invercargill said the shoreline of Lake Hauroko, along with the wider Wairauahiri river area, would be searched on Wednesday. Photo / 123RF

The Police National Dive Squad is set to join the search for a missing person after a boating incident on Lake Hauroko in Southland.

Search co-ordinator Sergeant Ian Martin, of Invercargill, said a body located near Teal Bay on Saturday is that of a 69-year-old woman.

Debris from the boat was found on Sunday.

Her 65-year-old partner is still missing.

Martin said the man and woman intended to spend a couple of days at one of the huts beside the lake and were in a small fibreglass boat on Friday.

Police were notified later that day that the boat and couple, believed to be from Christchurch, were missing.

Martin said the shoreline of Lake Hauroko, along with the wider Wairauahiri river area, would be searched on Wednesday.

Maritime New Zealand investigators would be also be involved.

Once water levels recede and conditions became more favourable, the Police National Dive Squad would join the search, he said.

Martin appealed for boaties using the lake to contact Invercargill Police on (03) 211-0400 if they saw any debris.

Police said they would like to thank volunteers who have assisted with the search so far, including members of Southland LandSAR, the Volunteer Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Group, and the Fiordland Water Rescue Group.

- Otago Daily Times