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The body of missing ocean-outfall worker Tony Utteridge is believed to have been found by a teenage kayaker in Christchurch's Avon-Heathcote Estuary.
Christchurch police have confirmed a 15-year-old kayaker found a body in the estuary, about 100m off Redcliffs' Beachville Road, about 4.50pm yesterday, The Press newspaper reported.
The body has not been formally identified but was wearing similar clothing to that worn by Mr Utteridge when he went missing 16 days ago, police said.
The Lyttelton man and co-worker Jody Campbell were last seen returning from the ocean-outfall project off South New Brighton in an inflatable boat off the Lyttelton Heads on Tuesday, October 28.
Mr Campbell's body was recovered from the sea the following day.
Emergency services launched a week-long search for Mr Utteridge, and recovered traces of the boat.
Mr Utteridge's family farewelled him at a memorial service last Friday.
The family has been advised that a body has been recovered.
The case had been referred to the coroner.
- NZPA
