Search for missing hunter called off

Hans Christian Tornmarck went missing almost two weeks ago. Photo: Police
Hans Christian Tornmarck went missing almost two weeks ago. Photo: Police
The search has been called off for a Swedish man missing in the mountains of South Westland.

Hans Christian Tornmarck (27), who had been living in Central Otago, went hunting by himself on May 12 inland from Karangarua. He was due out last Wednesday.

A preliminary search on Thursday night turned up nothing and a full scale ground and aerial search began on Friday and continued until Monday night.

On Saturday, Mr Tornmarck's tent and sleeping bag were found in the upper Karangarua Valley near Regina Creek and efforts to find the missing hunter concentrated on that area until the search was put on hold due to poor viability with bad weather yesterday morning.

Police said today the missing man was understood to be in the Karangarua Valley but there had been no further sightings or items of interest found since Saturday.

Area commander Inspector Mel Aitken said search teams had left the area until further leads came to light.

"Search and rescue teams have worked tirelessly over the past week, unfortunately not reaching the outcome we all hoped for," Mrs Aitken said.

"It is deeply disappointing that we have not been able to locate Mr Tornmarck, despite the efforts."

Mr Tornmarck's family had been advised.

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