The search operation has continued today for Paul Wilson, the 28-year-old Roxburgh man who went missing on Wednesday (2 February) at the Talla Burn stream near Beaumont in Otago.
The search area has been widened to include the length of the Clutha River (approximately 80 kilometres) between Beaumount and Balclutha.
This morning, a helicopter conducted a four-hour aerial search of the Clutha River and the Talla Burn stream down to Beaumount. The helicopter sweep was carried out in conjunction with water-based searches by a jet boat and the Police National Dive Squad.
"The Talla Burn stream has also been re-checked today and land searchers have explored caves on the face above the stream as well as other areas above the stream," said Detective Sergeant Derek Shaw, who is leading the search effort.
All searches have been unsuccessful.
Around 30 people have been searching today including family, friends and workers of the Wilsons.
The Dunedin swift water rescue team finished searching last night and the Police National Dive Squad completed its searches this morning. Both have been stood down but are able to be re-called at short notice.
"We are now moving to a more expansive search area, to include wider shoreline and river areas," Detective Sergeant Shaw said.
Because the extent of the search is being widened, the search base will shift to Roxburgh Police Station. The search will continue tomorrow.
The local community continued to show huge support for the search effort, Detective Sergeant Shaw said.
ENDS