RESCUE COORDINATION CENTRE NEW ZEALAND MEDIA RELEASE

11 November 2008 – 4.00pm

Fixed Wing Aircraft Joins Search for Missing Diver

A Coastguard fixed wing aircraft has joined the search for a diver missing off the Timaru coast since yesterday afternoon.

The aircraft will search an area of approximately 350 square miles centred around the wreck of the Holmglen, which is located about 20 nautical miles (36km) off the Timaru coast.

At this stage, the search is planned to continue throughout the evening and will be reassessed tomorrow morning.

An Otago Helicopters machine and the Westpac Trust rescue helicopter from Christchurch – as well as two Coastguard vessels – have been assisting in the search throughout the day, which is being coordinated by the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ).

The missing diver, who is in his 60’s, was reported overdue about 2.30pm yesterday by his two diving companions while diving on the wreck. He is described as experienced. He was last seen by his companions during a scheduled decompression break.

Weather conditions in the area are currently ideal for searching and the forecast for the afternoon is also clear.

Two rescue helicopters and six vessels spent much of yesterday searching the area, with night-vision equipped helicopters searching until midnight. The search resumed today at 8am.

ENDS

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