Search suspended for teen who failed to resurface in Canterbury river

Sunday, 26 December 2021

Police have suspended their search for a teenager who went missing in Canterbury’s Waimakariri River.

A police spokeswoman said on Sunday there were no active searches for the swimmer, who was reported missing after jumping into the river and failing to resurface about 7.10pm on Wednesday.

It was likely the search would resume on Monday, she said.

Friends of the 18-year-old were helping police search for him earlier on Friday.

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Stuff understands two people went into the water and one got out, but the other got into difficulty and was swept down the river.

Do you know more? Email reporters@press.co.nz

Police searched the shoreline of the river on Friday morning.

“Police have resumed their search [on Friday], although this is shoreline based only,” a police spokesman said.

Mike Jackson, of police search and rescue, said on Thursday the teen was new to the area, which may have contributed to him getting into difficulty.

Police divers from Timaru, Auckland and Wellington arrived in Christchurch early on Thursday and joined the search for the teen. Coastguard, a search and rescue helicopter, and surf lifesaving members all helped search on Wednesday evening.

“Supportive friends” were also helping police look for the teen on Thursday, Jackson said.

The Waimakariri River was a “lovely river”, but some parts were very deep and had a strong current, he said.