Divers scour lake for missing person

Photo / File

The search for a missing boatie, feared drowned in a Canterbury lake, continues today with police divers.

Police search and rescuers are continuing the search for a man who swam out to try and rescue an inflatable boat as it drifted off the shore of Lake Lyndon, near Porters Pass, yesterday.

The man had been fishing with a mate when he swam off without a lifejacket.
He was last seen 100m from the shore, police say.

Weather was fine but soon started to deteriorate. Water temperatures at Lake Lyndon are typically 5-7 degrees at this time of year.

"An aerial search of the lake and surrounding land yesterday did not result in any sightings of the missing person," a police statement said today.

Police will not be releasing any details of the missing person until next of kin have been advised. Victim Support assistance has been offered to the family.

"Canterbury police and the police national dive squad urge everyone to be aware of the water temperature, wear a lifejacket and think safety before going on, near or in the water," the police statement said.

"Police are not making any further comment at this time."