Saturday, 9 January 2010 - 3:53am |
Wellington

Police search for missing tramper in Lower Hutt - see update at bottom of release

1 min read

9 January 2010

Search for missing walker, Rimutaka Forest Park

Members of Wellington Search and Rescue are currently searching for a 45 year old male who failed to return from a walk in the Rimutaka Forest Park on Friday afternoon.

John Lulich left his Sunny Grove home at around 3.30pm. He is described as reasonably fit, but does not know the area. His partner was unable to advise Police exactly where he was going, but thought he may have been heading towards Mt McKerrow. It is thought he did not have a map.

He has little tramping experience, and it is unknown if he sought any local knowledge prior to entering the Park.

He had no food or wet weather clothing with him, and was not equipped to spend the night in the open; it is thought he has his cellphone with him, but Police have not been able to make contact with him via that.

Mr Lulich is European, about 175cm tall and of medium build. He was wearing a white polo short, navy shorts and tramping boots. He was carrying a water bottle.
People who may have seen Mr Lulich are asked to call Wellington Police on 496 3443.

Sergeant Jo Holden
Search and Rescue Coordinator
Wellington

Update

9 January 2010
0548hrs

Members of Wellington Search and Rescue spent several hours last night searching for a man who failed to return from a walk in the Rimutaka Forest Park on Friday afternoon.

A Team consisting of 2 LandSAR volunteers and 3 Police SAR members including a Police dog handler located the male just after 5am this morning next to the Orongorongo River, several kilometers from his home. He was cold and hungry, but otherwise in good health. He had not allowed sufficient time to return home in daylight, so eventually had to stay put.

ends