Missing West Coast tramper search

The story so far

A 75-year-old beekeeper went missing on a solo walk from Mt Davy towards Mt Sewell, north-east of Greymouth on the West Coast, and police became concerned for his welfare due to harsh weather.^{25, 26 Jul 2025} He has been missing since 23 July, and searches involving helicopters and volunteers in difficult terrain began and continued through late July.^{27, 29 Jul 2025; 4 Aug 2025} Police located a red bicycle belonging to him, and appeals were made for information after sightings of a man on a red bike on a Wednesday morning.^{27, 29 Jul 2025} Recent phone data placed him in an open clearing, but a helicopter search shortly after found no sign of him, and police recovered a handwritten note he left before his walk.^{30 Jul 2025} After 10 days of intensive searching, the operation moved into a review phase.^{4 Aug 2025}

Latest

The search has entered a review phase after 10 days of intensive searching, and a new area of interest has been identified.^{4 Aug 2025}

What's next

A dog team will be used in the new area of interest.^{4 Aug 2025}

Key moments

1. 25 Jul 2025Police begin searching for 75-year-old beekeeper missing near Mt Davy.
2. 27 Jul 2025Police appeal for information on sightings of him on a red bike.
3. 29 Jul 2025Police locate a red bicycle belonging to the missing man.
4. 30 Jul 2025Phone data places him in a clearing; helicopter search finds no sign.
5. 4 Aug 2025Search moves into review phase; new area of interest identified.

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