Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Search efforts on the West Coast continue today as staff work to locate missing man Martin O’Brien.
Mr O’Brien was reported missing on 24 January after his family became concerned for his welfare when he did not return after stating he was going into the bush.
Unfortunately it was not known where he might have entered the bush, and he is known to be an experienced bushman who frequents tracks throughout the district.
Over the course of this week, Police have extensively canvassed the West Coast searching for Mr O’Brien’s car, in an effort to narrow the search area.
Yesterday it was discovered in an area that was not in plain view on Bell Hill Road, Moana.
Search teams deployed to the area and have recommenced searching today.
Those searching include Police Search and Rescue, LandSAR volunteers including a search dog team, Kotuku Surf Lifesaving and a local helicopter company.
We continue to ask anyone with information about Mr O’Brien and his potential whereabouts or plans to get in touch with Police.
You can do so by calling 105 and quoting file number 230124/3168.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
