The search for two men missing after a boating accident on Lake Tekapo in South Canterbury was suspended last night.
A family member reported three men missing on Wednesday night after they failed to return from a fishing trip on the lake, about 100km northwest of Timaru.
A rescue helicopter found the body of Alexander Haywood, a 72-year-old from Pleasant Point, northwest of Timaru, in the middle of the lake early yesterday.
His son Anthony Haywood, 46, and friend Murray Green, 54, both from Timaru, are still missing.
Police believe the boat may have capsized after the wind picked up, creating choppy conditions.
Senior Constable Russell Senior Constable Russell Halkett, of Fairlie, said last night it was unlikely the two men had survived.
"Anything is possible, but the ground and helicopter searches showed no evidence they had made it out," he said.
The search was suspended about 5.10pm, but options would be re-evaluated today, with further lake and shoreline searches likely.
Search co-ordinator Ray Bellringer said the missing men may have made it ashore and crawled somewhere for shelter, then losing consciousness and unable to hear searchers.
Because Lake Tekapo was so cold - estimates range between 8degC and 10degC at this time of year - anyone in the water would not survive long. He estimated up to "one or two hours".
- NZPA, OTAGO DAILY TIMES
Hopes fading in Tekapo boating tragedy
The trio's submerged fishing boat was found near the Cass River delta. Photo / Supplied
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