60 soldiers to join search for 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.

"Until we find something to give us something to go on, it's just a process of elimination."

Mr Le Sueur said foul play had not been ruled out, "but there is nothing so far to indicate that's been the case either".

Mr Bliss is described as a solidly built European, "slightly overweight", with short black curly hair, black beard and brown eyes.

An initial investigation by police revealed Mr Bliss had not taken his vehicle to leave the area and his bank accounts had remained unused.

Police said Mr Bliss was not known as a tramper.

- NZPA