KEY POINTS:
A massive search and rescue operation near the Milford Sound appears to have been sparked by a tramper's missing pack.
Rescuers started searching by land and air yesterday after an emergency locator beacon activated in the Hollyford Valley about 1pm.
The search was called off about 10am this morning after a pack containing a locator beacon was found in a river.
Sergeant Ian Martin said there was some identification in the pack which showed a tramper had reported it missing in February this year.
A beacon could deteriorate, causing it to go off, he told Radio New Zealand.
The search had cost thousands of dollars, but police had to check every beacon activation to ensure everyone who needed help received it, he said.
- NZPA
