Missing pilot named as search for helicopter continues

Police have identified the pilot missing following a helicopter crash at Lake Sumner yesterday as Michael Graeme Mehrtens, aged 35, of Rangiora, an employee of Way To Go Heliservices.

Mr Mehrtens was the only occupant of the helicopter which is believed to have crashed in the lake near Breaksea Bay.

Police say that a small amount of debris, believed to be from the helicopter, was recovered in the search area today.

An oil slick was located in deep water offshore from Breaksea Bay this morning, but the machine has not yet been located.

Land and water search teams are continuing the search operation this afternoon.