New Zealand / Regional

Police prepare for wreck removal

15:48 pm on 3 April 2015

Police say it is likely to be next week before they try to remove the wreck of a submerged car, as part of the ongoing hunt for a missing Southland boy.

Police placed markers above Blue Cod Bay where tyre tracks came to an end. Photo: RNZ / Ian Telfer

Michael Zhao-Beckenridge, 11, went missing three weeks ago after being picked up from his Invercargill school by his step-father John Beckenridge.

John Beckenridge, left, and Mike Zhao-Beckenridge Photo: SUPPLIED

Last week, police divers confirmed that a car underwater near Curio Bay in the Catlins was Mr Beckenridge's luxury Volkswagen, which is believed to have plunged off the cliff above.

The police said no bodies were seen inside, but visibility was poor and they were now looking at options for winching the wreck out of the sea.

However, they said they needed calm conditions which may not happen until next week.