Search continues for Otago man

Paul William Wilson is still missing, thought to have been swept away in the Clutha River. Photo / Stephen Russell

A man thought to have been swept away in a Central Otago river is a "placid chap", his uncle says.

Paul William Wilson, 28, of Roxburgh, 44km southeast of Alexandra, disappeared on Wednesday afternoon.

Mr Wilson, a civil engineer, went to the Clutha River near the Talla Burn power station to collect water samples but never returned.

About 20 searchers yesterday scoured land and water in the area until nightfall and police say search plans will be re-assessed today.

Mr Wilson's uncle, Dennis Kirkpatrick, described his nephew as an easy-going perfectionist with lots of potential.

"Paul ... was quite a placid chap who liked to make sure everything was right," he told the Otago Daily Times.

Meanwhile, Detective Sergeant Derek Shaw of Alexandra has said police held "grave fears" for Mr Wilson's safety.

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

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

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.

- NZPA