A rescue helicopter at the scene in Glenorchy. Photo / ODT - Rhyva Van Onselem
A rescue helicopter at the scene in Glenorchy. Photo / ODT - Rhyva Van Onselem
Helicopters and boats are searching for a person missing in the icy waters of Lake Wakatipu where locals say two people were swept away.
One person was rescued and suffered minor injuries, St John said.
Helicopters are circling the shore of the lake near the Glenorchy township at the headof the lake, about 45 minutes drive north from Queenstown.
A worker at a store in the town said he had heard from several locals that two people have been swept away. One has been found but the other is yet to be located, he understood.
Police confirmed a search was underway in a statement shortly before 5pm.
“Emergency services were alerted about 3pm that someone had entered the water to assist another person, and had then failed to exit the water themselves.”
A rescue helicopter and boats at the scene in Glenorchy. Photo / ODT - Rhyva Van Onselem
A number of boats are conducting searches on the water and two helicopters are sweeping the area from above, the statement said.
St John said they assessed and treated one person who was taken to Lakes District hospital by road in an ambulance. They are not seriously injured.
