60 soldiers to join bush search for Franz Josef man

Sixty soldiers will join the search for Franz Josef man Dylan Earle Bliss this morning.

Mr Bliss, 33, was last seen at a barbecue in Franz Josef about 11pm on Saturday. Police are bewildered, saying his disappearance is completely out of character.

Between 40 and 50 local volunteers have been searching South Westland bush and tracks after Mr Bliss failed to report for work on Monday.

Yesterday's search, over 40sq km, was ended as darkness fell, with police saying there had been no developments.

Army personnel from Blenheim will join the search today, together with local volunteers, three search and rescue dogs, and a whitewater rescue team.

Constable Tony Le Sueur of Whataroa police said the disappearance was "totally out of character" and police were concerned for Mr Bliss' safety.

"We're keeping an open mind," he said. Foul play had not been ruled out, "but there is nothing so far to indicate that's been the case either".

Police said Mr Bliss was not known as a tramper.

- NZPA