Woman's body found on beach

Police are appealing for information after the body of an Asian woman was found washed up on a beach in Picton yesterday afternoon.

At the same time they are seeking a Korean woman missing from Blenheim since Tuesday morning.

The body of the woman, aged between 20 and 40, was found above the low water mark at Bob's Bay, at 2.30pm yesterday.

She was wearing blue jeans, a lime-green poly fleece top and brown New Balance walking shoes.

Located with the body was a black Kathmandu bum bag and a black Kathmandu sleeping bag cover.

It appeared the body had been in the water for a while, said Senior Constable Russell Smith, of Blenheim police.

A post-mortem would be carried out today to establish the cause of death. Foul play had not been ruled out.

The missing Korean woman, Sung A Kim, was believed to have stayed in a hostel in Blenheim. Ms Kim, 34, of slim build, was known locally as Kim Sung.

Her belongings were found at the Blenheim Railway Station.

There was no identification on the body found at the beach, Mr Smith said.

He could not comment on whether the missing Korean woman and the body found were the same person.

"It is interesting and coincidental. I can't say much more until the post-mortem is completed.

"We want to hear from people who may have seen someone fitting the description of the dead woman, travelling between Blenheim and Picton, prior to the beginning of the week.

"We also want information on any sightings of the Korean woman."

Picturesque Bob's Bay is a few minutes walk from the Picton foreshore, and close to the local yacht club at Shelley Beach.

A police team is examining the scene today and the surrounding area for any evidence connected to the body's appearance on the beach.

Mr Smith said police divers may be called in later.

Ms Kim was seen checking out of the backpackers hostel in Blenheim on Tuesday morning and had not been seen since.

It was believed she had been travelling around New Zealand and detectives were also keen to find out where she had been before going to Blenheim, Mr Smith said.

- NZPA