Chances of finding missing trapper 'slim'

Photo / file

The chances of finding alive an elderly possum trapper missing in remote north Canterbury bush are now extremely slim, the search coordinator says.

Alan Hill, 83, has not been seen since he went into the Ashley Gorge area, northwest of Christchurch, on Wednesday morning.

"Mr Hill has been out for six days and five nights now in conditions that have been miserable and cold so the chances of his survival now are extremely slim," Sergeant Tony Tully said.

Improved weather conditions today had allowed an air force Iroquois helicopter to drop searchers, buying an extra two to three hours of search time.

Some 42 land search and rescue volunteers and two police dog teams were scouring the steep, slippery terrain but had found no clues since Mr Hill's gloves were found on Thursday.

- NZPA