Police divers search for missing man, 71

Police divers were expected to search Lake Wairarapa for missing Wellington man Karl Richard Morris, 71, after fruitless searching on land.

Police dive teams are expected to undertake a search of Lake Wairarapa today after land searches failed to find any trace of a missing Wellington man.

The 71-year-old man, Karl Richard Morris, has been missing since October 4, when police were notified by a truck driver that a red 1990 Toyota Corolla had been parked at the Pigeon Bush Reserve on Western Lake Rd, west of Featherston, for several days.

Since then, police have conducted several searches of the area, including a helicopter search and another using victim recovery dogs.

Last Sunday, a full-day operation involving about 20 police officers and search and rescue volunteers was unable to locate any sign of Mr Morris.

Mr Morris, who is retired, lives alone in Berhampore and police do not believe he has any family in Wairarapa.

There is no indication of any suspicious circumstances at this stage.

Senior Sergeant Jymahl Glassey said that, apart from the car, police had found nothing to indicate Mr Morris had been in the area at all.

"Some inquiries with extended family suggest the area is known to him but not in great depth."

Mr Morris was not known to have any particular outdoor hobbies, Mr Glassey said.

"He is described as somewhat of a recluse, so obtaining good details of his hobbies and pastimes is a bit difficult.

"He is not familiar with the bush, from what we can understand."

Extended family members in Wellington are assisting police with their inquiries.

Anyone with information should contact the Masterton police on (06) 370 0378.