Police and New Zealand Land Search and Rescue teams have found a short time ago a body trapped in a stream log jam in the Rimutaka Forest Park.
Senior Sergeant Murray Johnston, search controller, said teams had radioed in that they had found a torch in the Turere Stream. At approximately 2pm search teams found a body in a log jam further up the stream which is between the Whakanui and McKerrow Tracks.
Senior Sergeant Johnston said the body has not yet been identified. Police do not know if it is that of the missing Polish tramper Jacek Gryzbowski who has been missing in the area since last Saturday.
"We have notified the Polish Ambassador and the Coroner that sadly we have found a body," Senior Sergeant Johnston said. "We've made it clear that we can't yet determine that it is Jacek because the body is trapped in log debris in the stream."
High winds in the area have prevented the Iroquois from recovering the team and the body by air. It is likely that given the deteriorating conditions the two teams in the area where the body has been found will remain on site overnight.
If weather prevents an airlift tomorrow they may have to resort to a long and difficult stretcher carry.
No further details are available at this time.
Ends
Released by:
Kaye Calder
Wellington Police District communications manager
0274 373 020