Key Takeaways
- A 20-year-old tramper, Connor Purvis, has gone missing near Lake hau in the Mackenzie Basin
- A search and rescue operation is underway, with a drone to be deployed to assist in the search efforts
- The search area is being refined, with teams from the greater South Island and the Alpine Cliff Rescue team supporting the operation
- Police are urging anyone who has climbed Mt Huxley or has been tramping or hunting in the area between December 28 and January 2 to contact them with any information
- The search operation is large-scale and covers a significant area, with the smallest piece of information potentially making a significant difference in locating the missing tramper
Introduction to the Search Operation
The search for a missing tramper, 20-year-old Connor Purvis, is ongoing near Lake hau in the Mackenzie Basin. Purvis was last seen when he went to climb Mt Huxley on Tuesday of last week, and despite extensive search efforts, there has been no sign of him. The search operation is being led by the Search and Rescue team, with support from teams from the greater South Island and the Alpine Cliff Rescue team. The teams are working to refine the search area and are using a range of resources to locate Purvis.
Search Efforts So Far
The search efforts have been extensive, with helicopters scouring the area and search teams checking huts and camp sites. However, so far, no sign of Purvis has been found. The search area is large, covering the Huxley River South Branch and the surrounding valleys, including the South Temple, Ahuriri, and Huxley valleys. The police are urging anyone who has been in the area between December 28 and January 2 to contact them with any information they may have. This includes anyone who has climbed Mt Huxley, or has been tramping or hunting in the area. The police believe that even the smallest piece of information could make a significant difference in locating Purvis.
Use of Technology in the Search
In an effort to assist in the search, a drone is to be deployed to search the area. The use of a drone will allow the search teams to cover a larger area and to search in areas that may be difficult to access on foot. The drone will be used to search for any sign of Purvis, including his clothing or equipment. The police are hoping that the drone will be able to provide valuable information that will help to locate Purvis. However, the use of the drone is dependent on weather conditions, and the police will only deploy it if the weather is suitable.
Appeal for Information
The police are urging anyone who has any information about Purvis’ disappearance to come forward. This includes anyone who may have seen or spoken to Purvis in the days leading up to his disappearance. The police are also asking anyone who has been in the area to contact them, even if they do not think they have any relevant information. The police believe that the smallest piece of information could be crucial in locating Purvis and bringing him home safely. The search operation is large-scale and complex, and the police are grateful for any assistance they can get from the public.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The search for Connor Purvis is ongoing, and the police are working tirelessly to locate him. The use of a drone and the support of teams from the greater South Island and the Alpine Cliff Rescue team are just a few examples of the resources being used to assist in the search. The police are urging anyone with information to come forward and are hopeful that the search will be successful. As the search continues, the police will provide updates and will work to refine the search area. The community is coming together to support the search effort, and the police are grateful for the assistance and support they are receiving.