Ahuriri Valley SAR Update

An extensive search continued today in an extremely remote and rugged part of the Ahuriri Valley for a missing Dunedin tramper.

David Charles Palmer (53) went into the area on what was believed to be a three to four hour tramp on Saturday (5 May).

Police and volunteer SAR teams have been searching for Mr Palmer for the past two days and overnight on Sunday.

Today around 50 SAR volunteers and Police SAR staff from Dunedin, Queenstown and Central Otago have since daybreak carried out a ground search of a large area of approximately 200 square kilometres of rugged terrain in the vicinity of Birchwood.

Mr Palmer has been described by his family and friends as an experienced tramper.

Police remain hopeful that a positive outcome is achieved and that Mr Palmer will be located safe and well, however concerns are mounting for his safety.

The search is expected to continue from first light tomorrow morning. An Airforce Iroquois with a team of seven army staff will also join the search tomorrow.

ENDS

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