A missing man who fell into the Manawatū River while walking his dog and failed to resurface over the weekend is a serving member of the New Zealand Army.
Emergency services were called to Ahimate Reserve in Palmerston North at around 1.35pm on November 16.
A search for the man began immediately — involving police search and rescue staff, a water rescue boat, kayaks, drones, a helicopter and other volunteers.
Police Dive Squad members scanned sections of the river using sonar yesterday while a defence force drone provided aerial coverage of the river.
No items of interest have been located and the search effort was continuing, said Inspector Ashley Gurney.
“Today, the dive squad is on the water again sweeping sections of the river, supported by other teams on the riverbank and the water.”
He said members of the defence force have been assisting police and providing logistical and search support along the river.
“The man’s whānau has also arrived at the scene from around New Zealand to help where they can.”
Gurney said police express their appreciation to everyone involved in the effort to bring the man home – especially his family members and colleagues.
“For them, this is an incredibly personal and tragic event; we are doing what we can to support them and are grateful for their help.”
The New Zealand Defence Force confirmed using resources to assist police with search efforts.
“We can also confirm the individual is a member of Ngāti Tūmatauenga, the New Zealand Army, based at Linton Military Camp,” a spokesperson said.
