At 7.30pm on the 25/7/2015 Police reactivated the search for Ian Fullerton MATHIESON. Nine SAR teams and a water rescue team were deployed to search waterways , re search previous areas from the past two days and a wider boundary search including State Highway One toward Balclutha .
A large team of Clinton Lions Club members where Ian is a member were put into action also . A helicopter was deployed to allow search managers to reassess the search areas from above and a drone was employed to search the Kaihiku River through to the Clutha River supported by ground teams and other areas of interest . Search Dogs were also assisting again today.
Searchers from SAR groups based in Balclutha ,Catlins , Tokanui and Dunedin contributed their volunteer time once again which is much appreciated . We also appreciate community support with food for searchers and offering to assist with the search along with Harcourts (Ians employer) providing a helicopter .
Some ponds on farms near where the car was located were iced over and these will be looked at more closely when they thaw .
Plans are in place for the search to recommence in the morning .
ENDS