River search for little girl ends

Emily Saunders. Photo: supplied
Emily Saunders. Photo: supplied
The search of a West Coast river for missing two-year-old Emily Saunders has been brought to a close.

The girl was in a four-wheel-drive with her family on Thursday last week when the vehicle became swamped by water in the Poerua River following heavy rain.

Searchers found the body of Barry Petrie (66), who tried to save Emily, on Friday afternoon.

Her mother and father, Sandra and Michael Saunders, survived the harrowing ordeal.

The search was suspended earlier this week due to river conditions, and resumed this morning.

Area Commander West Coast Inspector Mel Aitken recognised the efforts of the local community during the search and thanked everyone involved.

"Sadly we must now end our search phase. We've exhausted all avenues, with an extensive search of the area where Emily was last seen.

"I want to thank the many volunteers, including Search and Rescue and the wider West Coast Community who have shown their generosity and support to the family through this terrible tragedy."

Emily's family issued a statement via the police in response to the news.

"We would like to take this opportunity to personally thank all those involved with the search for our daughter, Emily.

"We would also like to express our gratitude to our community, the numerous groups and organisations that have helped our family in many ways during this time.

"We would like to especially thank Victim Support who worked with the Lions and other groups who have made it possible for family to come, so we can be together during this difficult time."

 

 

 

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