Eastern Waikato Police coordinating a search for an Auckland man missing near Whitianga believe the man's situation may be causing him some anxiety which in itself could set off a pre-existing medical condition and they have concerns for his safety.
Thames-Coromandel Sub-Area Manager, Senior Sergeant Graham Shields said 19-year-old Cem (pronounced Jem) ERBAY was reported missing about 5.30pm yesterday.
"He was last seen by friends he had been socialising with after crossing the one lane bridge on Wharekaho Rd at the end of Simpson's Beach Whitianga about 4am.
"We currently have about 70 searchers from seven different Search and Rescue scouring the river, bush, farmland and the coast looking for him and that search has also involved the use of helicopters."
Mr Shields said Cem has a heart condition that makes it dangerous to over exert himself and his condition may make him become disorientated.
"For that reason we're asking anyone who may have spoken to someone in a disorientated state to make contact with us.
"We've had a number of possible sightings reported to us which have all been vigorously pursued by the teams on the ground but to date the only confirmed sighting we have is when he was last seen by the bridge early yesterday morning."
Cem ERBAY is described as an olive skinned Caucasian male, 175cm tall of medium build with short brown hair last seen wearing a long sleeve-white T-shirt, jeans and was believed to have been barefoot at the time he went missing.
Mr Shields said Police haven't ruled out Cem being picked up hitch-hiking and he asked anyone who may have given someone of that description a ride to contact Whitianga Police on 07 866 4000.
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