Man missing in Central Otago named

Police have named a man thought to have been swept away in a Central Otago river.

He is Paul William Wilson, 28, of Roxburgh, 44km southeast of Alexandra.

Mr Wilson, a civil engineer, went to the Clutha River near the Talla Burn power station to collect water samples about 12.30pm yesterday but did not return.

About 20 searchers were today scouring land and water in the area.

"As time passes naturally our concern for Mr Wilson grows and we have grave fears for his safety," Detective Sergeant Derek Shaw of Alexandra said.

The police dive squad arrived from Wellington about 1pm today to search an area of the stream 400m above the Talla Burn's meeting with the Clutha River.

The search would continue until nightfall when search plans for tomorrow would be re-assessed, Mr Shaw said.

The river was in flood when Mr Wilson went missing, but levels had dropped considerably overnight, which was helping the search, he said.

Mr Wilson's family had been involved in land searches and the Miller's Flat community was providing fantastic support with catering and other assistance, Mr Shaw said.

A helicopter and jet boat both searched the area today without success.

- NZPA