Police have scaled back the search for a fisherman who went missing in the Opihi River, in south Canterbury.
The Timaru man was reported missing in the early hours of Friday morning after he failed to return from a fishing trip the night before.
Searches around the Opihi River mouth involving LandSAR volunteers, the south Canterbury Coastguard, South Canterbury Helicopters and Police Search and Rescue staff haven't found the man, despite finding several items linked to him.
In a statement, police said they are still keen for reports of items of interest - specifically a grey or blue tarpaulin, a blue and white T-shirt, blue shorts, and a green plastic dinghy. These could be as far north as Lake Ellesmere (Te Waihora).
"Police would like to thank all of the local communities who have been out searching the beaches over the last few days and for notifying them of items of interest," a spokesperson said.
"Anyone who has any information is asked to please contact Police via 105 or online at www.police.govt.nz/use-105, using 'Update My Report'. Please reference file number 221230/4612."
