Authorities search Waitaki River for missing fisherman overdue from day trip

Police are searching for a fisherman who went missing near the Waikati rivermouth, Waimate last night.

Police were notified at 7pm on Monday that a fisherman was overdue from a day fishing trip on the lower Waitaki River.

Senior Sergeant Antony Callon said: “A search was conducted overnight with teams from the Otago Rescue Helicopter, North Otago LandSAR, South Canterbury Coastguard and Aoraki Police Search and Rescue staff.”

A South Canterbury Coastguard spokesperson said crews were called to assist police with the search for a missing person on the Waitaki River about 11-11.30pm and were out searching all night.

“They have been unable to locate the individual and are currently awaiting further police instructions.”

The spokesperson referred any further questions to police who are leading the search.

The Waitaki River is a large braided river in the South Island, which drains the Mackenzie Basin and runs 209km southeast to enter the Pacific Ocean between Timaru and Ōamaru on the east coast. It is popular for trout and salmon angling.

Callon said police would like to thank everyone who has been involved and those currently assisting with the search.

“We would also like to offer our support to whānau and friends of the missing fisherman,” he said.