New Zealand / Otago

Police appeal for sightings of Otago fisherman missing for more than a week

16:57 pm on 30 April 2024

Waitaki River in the South Island, where the man went out to fish last week. Photo: 123rf.com

Police are appealing for sightings of a fisherman who went missing in Otago last week.

The man in his late 70s went out to fish on the Waitaki River about midday on 22 April, and police were alerted that night when he failed to return home.

The man's Isuzu four-wheel-drive and boat trailer were found at the boat ramp off Te Maiharoa Road, near the mouth of the river.

His boat was found anchored at the river mouth. The river in the South Island is a large braided river which runs 209km long.

Police are trying to establish the man's movements, and would like to hear from anyone who saw the man, or was around the river between midday and 7pm on Monday.

The Fireball boat has yellow sides, a white hull and a chrome anchor cradle.

Anyone with information can contact police via 105, by phone or online at 105.police.govt.nz.