The search for Stephen Lowe has been suspended this morning while Southern Police work to establish further areas of interest.
Stephen left work on Portsmouth Drive, Dunedin at approximately 10am on Friday 15 September, 2017. He has not been seen or heard from since but his car was found in the Catlins Conservation Park on Tuesday 19 September, 2017.
Senior Sergeant Cynthia Fairley says the land and water search has been suspended pending a further reassessment of areas of interest.
She has been liaising with Stephen’s family this morning.
“Understandably, they are devastated that he has not yet been located despite the extensive search efforts,” she says.
“As well as other areas, there has been an intensive search of the Mclean Falls area since Tuesday 19 September, 2017.”
The search team has included LandSAR volunteers, Police staff, dog units, water rescue teams and the National Police Dive Squad.
Senior Sergeant Fairley says the family has been highly appreciative of the search efforts so far from an extremely committed team.
"Sadly, the search in this isolated and challenging bush has not yet produced the outcome we were hoping for,” she says.
“We have appealed for information from tourists, travellers or hunters who may have been in the Catlins or McLean Falls area from Friday 15 September until Monday 18 September.
“It’s possible that tourists may not be tuned into local media and not yet be aware that Police are seeking information.
“We’ve also notified airports, vehicle rental companies, I-sites and various other local organisations.”
Anyone who may have seen Mr Lowe or his vehicle is asked to contact Police as soon possible. Police also would like to hear from the occupants or a small red car that was seen parked at the McLean Falls carpark on the morning of Saturday 16 September 2017.
“For now, the active search of land and water is suspended pending a further reassessment of areas of interest. Should any new information come to light, we will also make further enquiries.”
Enquiries into Mr Lowe’s location and the whereabouts of his vehicle will continue.
ENDS
Police Media Centre
