Fisherman in His Late 70s Missing on Waitaki River in New Zealand

A fisherman in his late 70s was reported missing on the Waitaki River in South Island, New Zealand on April 22, 2024. The man headed out to fish around midday, but failed to return home by 7 pm. Police were alerted and found the man's Isuzu four-wheel-drive vehicle and boat trailer at the boat ramp off Te Maiharoa Road, near the mouth of the river.

Around 11 pm, the missing fisherman's boat was found anchored at the river mouth. The boat is described as a Fireball with yellow sides, a white hull, and a chrome anchor cradle. This was the last known location of the man before his disappearance.

Police are investigating the man's disappearance and are appealing for anyone who may have seen him on or around the Waitaki River between noon and 7 pm on April 22 to come forward with information that could help establish his movements. The case number is 240427/9404.

Why this matters: The disappearance of the elderly fisherman has prompted a search and rescue effort in the Waitaki River area. The incident highlights the potential dangers faced by individuals engaging in outdoor activities, even those with experience, and emphasizes the importance of safety precautions and timely reporting of missing persons.

Authorities are actively searching for the missing fisherman and gathering any information that could lead to his whereabouts. "Police are appealing for any sightings of the man or information about his movements between midday and 7pm on the day he went missing," stated a police spokesperson. The search and investigation remain ongoing as of April 30, 2024.

Key Takeaways

• Elderly fisherman went missing on Waitaki River, NZ on April 22, 2024.
• His boat was found anchored at the river mouth, last known location.
• Police appeal for information on his movements between noon and 7 pm that day.
• Search and rescue effort underway, highlighting risks of outdoor activities.
• Investigation ongoing as of April 30, 2024 to determine the fisherman's whereabouts.