The search for a Sudanese man missing from a Central Hawke’s Bay beach area has been suspended.
Dau Atem, 22, was reported missing by friends after he left a bach at Shoal Bay, Aramoana, around 10pm on Saturday night. He was staying at the bach with a group of friends and has not been seen since.
Searches have been in progress since midday Sunday, when he was first reported missing.
Senior Sergeant Luke Shadbolt said police search and rescue teams and Landsar teams had spent the last three days searching the area, including local baches, buildings and surrounding farmland. There had also been shoreline searches on foot and from the air using the Lowe Corporation rescue helicopter, which extended the search to neighbouring Blackhead and Pourerere beaches.
“Unfortunately there has been no sign of Mr Atem, despite extensive searches of the area. At this stage we are reviewing the situation and considering other options available to us,” Mr Shadbolt said.
Police continue to appeal for any sightings of Mr Atem, who is described as tall and thin with short curly black hair. He was wearing a grey hoodie and grey jeans and was barefoot when he left the bach.
“We would like the public, especially beach-goers and boaties, to keep an eye out for Mr Atem if they are in the area. This is a popular fishing spot, especially with commercial fishermen, so someone may see something out of the ordinary either on the beach area or at sea,” Mr Shadbolt said.
Anyone with information about Mr Atem should contact Eastern District Police on 06 8310700.
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