Ahuriri Valley SAR Update 3

Police and volunteer SAR teams are continuing their search today in the Ahuriri Valley for missing Dunedin tramper, David Charles Palmer (53).

Mr Palmer went into the area on what was believed to be a three to four hour tramp on Saturday (5 May). A search for Mr Palmer has been underway since Sunday evening.

Six search teams of about 50-60 SAR volunteers from Central Otago, the Catlins, Twizel, Tekapo, Fairlie and Wanaka are participating in the search today.

Some searchers who had worked over the past two days have been stood down while others are continuing to look for Mr Palmer. They are being assisted by three SAR dogs.

An Airforce Iroquois is also assisting with the search. It arrived in the area last evening with a team of seven army staff. It is assisting with dropping ground search teams into the search area as required.

The weather may be a limiting factor in the search today, with cloud coming down and steady rain in the area. The air temperature in the area was relatively warm overnight.

A NZ Fire Service command truck from Dunedin has been brought in to assist with communications in relation to the search. These have been difficult due to the remote and isolated location.

Based on information gathered from family and friends the search is now focused more specifically on the Dingleburn Track area, based on a sighting of Mr Palmer in that locality on Saturday morning. However Police and SAR advisors are continuing to keep an open mind to ensure that all possibilities are covered.

Mr Palmer has been described by his family and friends as an experienced tramper. Police remain hopeful that he will be located safe and well, however concerns are continuing to mount for his safety.