A search is underway after Police received a report that a man was swept down a river near Craigieburn Forest Park, Selwyn, yesterday.
It is reported that the man and his friend were hiking the Cass-Lagoon Saddle track just after midday.
"While attempting a river crossing the man has fallen and been swept downstream," says Detective Cam Ellis, Christchurch Police Search and Rescue.
The man's friend was able to make it back to State Highway 73 [West Coast Road], where a concerned passerby has stopped to help and contacted Police.
His friend received minor injuries and was transported to Christchurch Hospital.
Police, along with dog units, Land Search and Rescue teams, rescue helicopters from Garden City Helicopters and Main Divide Helicopters, and North Canterbury Coastguard, conducted searches of the river and surrounding areas; however, no one was located.
Detective Ellis says the search progressed into the night and has recommenced this morning.
"I want to commend the hard work of all those involved in the search. Conditions are hazardous, and Land Search and Rescue volunteers along with Police search teams are currently working through snow, flooded rivers, and an alpine environment to search for the missing man," he says.
