Locator beacon signal picked up in search for duo
And an update just in........
Search and rescue teams will be dropped into Mt Aspiring National Park this morning to continue the search for two people and their missing helicopter after a faint signal from a locator beacon was detected.
The Rescue Co-ordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) began a search operation about 3pm yesterday after the Wanaka Helicopters Robinson R22 flying to Haast and back was reported overdue. A trainee and instructor were onboard.
An RCCNZ spokesman said this morning that three helicopters would fly alpine rescue teams into the park this morning.
The search would focus on an area about three kilometres south-west of the last known position of the helicopter, which was near Bow Peak in the Waipara Saddle.
Helicopters searching with night vision equipment last night picked up faint signals from an emergency locator beacon in the area. The helicopter had not been sighted though.
The weather in the area was good.