A large-scale search operation is underway near Lake Ōhau as authorities continue efforts to locate missing tramper Connor Purvis, 20, who was last known to be climbing Mount Huxley around December 30.
According to a report by Stuff, concerns were raised after Purvis failed to return as planned. He had intended to descend via the Huxley River South Branch, but when he failed to make contact, friends and family alerted the authorities.
Police Search and Rescue teams are leading the operation, working alongside Land Search and Rescue units from Omarama, Oamaru and Dunedin. The Department of Conservation’s alpine rescue team from Aoraki/Mt Cook has also been deployed. Aerial support is being provided by Heliventures in Oamaru and Helicopter Line at Mt Cook, as reported by Stuff.
Search crews have already checked huts and campsites across the rugged terrain, but have so far found no trace of the missing tramper.
“We ask anyone who has climbed Mt Huxley or has been tramping or hunting in the Huxley River South Branch between 28 December and 2 January to make contact with Police if they haven’t already,” Otago Coastal Search and Rescue Coordinator Sergeant Matt Sheat said. “We also want to hear from anyone who may have seen or spoken to Connor in the South Temple, Ahuriri or Huxley valleys in that same timeframe,” Stuff has reported.
Purvis is described as having red hair and a handlebar moustache. Police say even seemingly minor details could be crucial to the investigation.
“It’s a large-scale search over a large area, and the smallest piece of information could make all the difference,” Sheat said, as quoted by Stuff.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the police. Those who may have relevant details can also email newstips@stuffdigital.co.nz.
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