Canterbury Police have confirmed two fishermen missing since yesterday afternoon have been located by members of the LandSAR search team.
Police understand the two men were with a guide fishing on the upper gorge section of the Opihi River, and then the guide returned to the car to meet them further up the river. When the two men didn't arrive at the meeting spot, the guide contacted police.
The police LandSAR team searched the lower end of the gorge last night and an aerial search was completed early this morning over the upper and lower gorge. When the men weren't found volunteers from the LandSAR team were deployed.
The men were located around 1pm this afternoon in the upper gorge area, and were taken by Tekapo Helicopters to get medical treatment in Fairlie for multiple lacerations and mild hypothermia.
Senior Constable Bren Swanson says the men's clothing made things difficult for searchers.
"The men told police they got lost travelling up the gorge last night and tried to climb out through thick vegetation this morning. They were wearing dark clothing which made it very difficult for the search teams to see them.
Snr Const Swanson says this is a timely reminder for everybody heading into the backcountry to be prepared in case of an emergency.
"Always carry a Personal Locator Beacon and secondary form of communication, Even if you are only planning on going out for the day, make sure you pack spare clothing and food in case you are forced to stay out overnight."
3 News
