Navy joins search for missing soldier

The Navy has joined the search for a missing NZ Army solider believed to have fallen overboard into Lake Moawhanga in the Waiouru training area.

The soldier, in his late 20s, was undertaking small boat training on Lake Moawhanga late on Tuesday afternoon when he was reported missing.

A search is underway on Lake Moawhanga for a missing soldier believed to have fallen overboard during a training exercise.

Emergency services were called at 5.45pm and responded, together with Army emergency services.

Ruapehu Area Commander Inspector Steve Mastrovich says police and other emergency services were called to Lake Moawhango last night after a soldier fell overboard from an inflatable boat whilst returning from a training exercise.

"A search got underway last night, involving NZDF personnel, Police and the Square Trust Rescue Helicopter, however, the missing soldier was not located. 

The Police National Dive Squad was deployed to Waiouru last night and helicopter support also assisted with the search, which was suspended at 8.30pm last night.

Steve says given the depth of Lake Moawhango, the police dive squad are only able to conduct a shallow search around the shoreline of the lake, which is currently underway.

"We have sought the assistance of Navy divers and the use of their sonar equipment. It is expected that the Royal New Zealand Navy will arrive in Waiouru later this afternoon to assist in the search. An aerial search is currently underway involving a Taumarunui-based company (Fly My Sky)."

The search began again at 6am today and is continuing with the NZ Army supporting the NZ Police operation.

A NZ Police Dive Squad is on site and will commence searching this morning. Royal New Zealand Navy diver support is also on standby.
Commander Headquarters Training and Doctrine, Colonel Evan Williams says the NZ Army is doing everything it can to support the NZ Police.

“This is a NZ Police operation and the NZ Army is providing all the assistance required to locate the missing soldier,” says Col. Williams.

The NZ Defence Force has informed the next of kin and will provide appropriate support. The soldier’s name will not be released at this point.

Further information will be provided when it becomes available.