Marlborough man Cameron Young missing near Havelock

Wednesday, 22 November 2017

The family of a keen hunter who has gone missing in Marlborough is planning an aerial search.

Cameron Young, 37, disappeared near Havelock, on the edge of the Marlborough Sounds, about 4pm on Monday.

His vehicle, a silver or champagne Toyota Hilux SR5, with the numberplate JJK547, has also gone missing.

His brother James Young said he planned to hire helicopters in Marlborough to sweep the area near Havelock on Wednesday.

A pilot from Rangiora, north of Christchurch, had offered to fly his plane to Marlborough to help with the search, but James Young said he would try to save costs to the pilot by enlisting help in Marlborough first.

'It's very generous and we will definitely take him up on the offer if we need it. But choppers will be the easiest way to cover the area.'

The family got worried after Young's mother received a text message before his disappearance, which was 'a bit disturbing'.

Young seemed to be 'in a distressed state', his brother said.

'We're very concerned. He is a big hunter and fisher so he spends most of his free time up in the mountains or out fishing, anywhere around the top of the South Island, so I imagine there's a number of places he could be.

'It sounds like he went alone this time but he used to go hunting with other people, we just don't know who they are. So obviously it would be great to get hold of those people to work out where he could have gone.'

Young had also left his dogs behind, something he would not normally do.

Anyone who had seen Young, knew his hunting spots, or had seen his Hilux should contact Blenheim police on 03 578 5279.

Police confirmed they had been notified and were making inquiries.