A search has been launched for a tramper two weeks overdue
from a solo trip on the West Coast.
Rex Leslie Taylor, 50, of Christchurch had headed into the
upper Mikonui River area and left a note in a log book at the
Explorer Hut on October 23 saying he expected to be out two
days later.
He was reported overdue yesterday and his vehicle was located
at the end of the Totara Valley Road, in a neighbouring
catchment.
West Coast police search and rescue co-ordinator sergeant
Sean Judd said Mr Taylor was an experienced tramper who had a
history of heading into the bush alone.
"He was fit and experienced enough to be in the (rugged) area
and had been leaving his intentions in log books in the huts
that he has been in," Mr Judd said.
The search began last evening and two teams stayed in the
area overnight. A search base was set up in Hokitika this
morning, and two land search and rescue dog teams, two foot
teams and a whitewater team were also put into the area.
Mr Judd said they were concerned for Mr Taylor's safety
because of the length of time he had been overdue, and the
fact he was travelling alone.
Police appealed for possible sightings of Mr Taylor in the
Hokitika-Ross area in recent weeks. He was described as being
173cm (5ft 7in) tall, of skinny build and wearing glasses.
- By Viv Logie of the Greymouth Star
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