KEY POINTS:
The search for a Dunedin teenager, swept away by strong currents on the Clutha River, has been scaled back as emergency services have given up hope of finding him alive.
The 16-year-old had not been seen since he and a friend jumped into the river on Tuesday afternoon.
Both were swept quickly downstream and only one managed to swim to the bank and escape.
Police, coastguard and local volunteers have scoured the river for the past two days with no sign of the youth.
Senior Sergeant Mike Cook, of Alexandra police, said the search would now be scaled back.
"There will be a daily reconnaissance search of the river as we leave the river to cycle through its normal operating levels in the hope that the changing currents, speed and water pressure will allow the river to release the body."
For the past few days Contact Energy had been reducing river flow from the Roxburgh Dam, 2km upstream, during daylight hours to aid the search.
Mr Cook said if the weather allowed, the water level would be lowered again on Sunday and search teams would return to the river.
The youth had been in the area for fruitpicking work and had family there.
- NZPA
