Police seek information on missing US National

Police are seeking information on a missing US National, sailing around New Zealand.

Detective Sergeant Linda Simpson of the NZ Police Missing Persons Unit says Police have been contacted by the US Embassy this week in relation to the whereabouts of 26 year old Sean D'Epagnier.

"He has been living on his sailboat 'Alexandra', after arriving in New Zealand in November last year. His family last had contact with him in late May when he was in the Nelson area, but have not heard from him since. Their growing concerns prompted them to make contact with the US Embassy."
       
Detective Sergeant Simpson says Mr D'Epagnier had indicated to family that he was either heading to the Fiordland area or to the Pacific Islands.

He is approximately 5 foot 9 in height with blond hair, blue eyes and a full beard, travelling in a 40 year old Bristol 27 foot sailboat that has a number of solar panels and no engine.

"We are urging any boaties who may have seen this sailboat recently or anyone who may know the whereabouts of Mr D'Epagnier to come forward and contact their nearest Police Station."

Further information can be found at:
www.police.govt.nz/missing-persons