A Navy dive team with sonar equipment is to be deployed in Waiouru to aid in the search for a New Zealand Defence Force soldier who went missing on Lake Moawhango early last night.
Police and other emergency services were called to Lake Moawhango around 5:40pm last night, after a soldier in his late 20s fell overboard from an inflatable boat whilst on a training exercise.
Ruapehu Area Commander Inspector Steve Mastrovich said the Police National Dive Squad was deployed to Waiouru last night, however given the depth of Lake Moawhango, they were only able to conduct a shallow search around the shoreline of the lake, which was currently underway.
"We have sought the assistance of Navy divers and the use of their sonar equipment. It is expected that the Royal New Zealand Navy will arrive in Waiouru later this afternoon to assist in the search. An aerial search is currently underway involving a Taumarunui-based company (Fly My Sky)."
Earlier story:
A search has resumed this morning for a New Zealand Defence Force soldier who went missing on Lake Moawhango in Waiouru early last night.
Ruapehu Area Commander Inspector Steve Mastrovich said police and other emergency services were called to Lake Moawhango around 5:40pm last night, after a soldier in his late 20s fell overboard from an inflatable boat while returning from a training exercise.
"A search got underway last night, involving NZDF personnel, police and the Square Trust Rescue Helicopter, however, the missing soldier was not located.
"The Police National Dive Squad was deployed to Waiouru last night and will begin searching the lake this morning."
Defence Force personnel have resumed searching on the water and the shoreline this morning.
Lake Moawhango is situated within the Waiouru training area.
Inspector Mastrovich said the missing soldier's next of kin had been informed but police would not be releasing the name at this point.