‘‘The police national dive squad located the body in the partially submerged vehicle this afternoon,’’ Otago Lakes Central area commander Olaf Jensen said last night.
‘‘We are yet to formally identify the body and have a number of further inquiries to carry out.’’
The squad could be seen in wetsuits around dusk yesterday, helping to retrieve the vehicle from the riverbank with a large tow truck.
A police spokeswoman said motorists found debris on State Highway 6 near Victoria Flats Bridge at 6.40pm on Tuesday.
‘‘The crashed vehicle was found partially submerged in the Kawarau River.’’
It was secured by wire rope on Tuesday night to prevent it from moving and a scene guard was in place overnight.
An investigation into who was in the van continued.
The spokeswoman said the ‘‘occupants remain unaccounted for’’.
