Police say they have made the “difficult decision” to pause search efforts in Milford Sound for a tramper missing for more than a week.
The missing tramper had been named as 25-year-old Eli Sweeting who failed to return after a planned day trip to climb Mitre Peak last Sunday.
The alarm was raised promptly, and a search and rescue operation began immediately, shortly before midnight on May 5.
Acting Southern District Commander Inspector Matt Scoles said police had been supporting the family of the tramper and acknowledged it was “difficult news for them to hear at what has been an incredibly distressing time”.
In the last six days, extensive searches had been carried out in an “extremely dangerous and challenging” terrain, he said.
“We have focused on searching the route used by climbers as well as an aerial search of the entire area using two helicopters and thermal imagery.”
Several organisations had assisted in the search, including Land Search and Rescue groups from Southland and Otago, the Wakatipu Alpine Cliff Rescue Team supported by a member of the Mount Cook Alpine Rescue team, two search and rescue dogs, Southern Lakes Helicopters, Heliworks Queenstown, and Real NZ.
“Many individuals and organisations in Milford Sound contributed hugely in supporting the searchers,” he added.
Scoles said efforts would be reviewed while the search had been paused.
“Our thoughts are with the missing man’s family at this difficult time.”
