Search for high school student missing in Northland cave suspended

By MiNDFOOD

Credit: Google Maps
Credit: Google Maps
The search for a high school student who went missing in a Northland cave after getting into difficulty on a school trip has been suspended.

The search is due to resume at first light tomorrow. A cordon will remain in place tonight.

The Whangārei Boys’ High School student was swept away in the Abbey Caves near Whangārei.

Search and Rescue, USAR, Fire and Emergency, alongside police, were searching for the unaccounted student this afternoon since reports were initially received that the group was in difficulty around 10.26am this morning.

The group was made up of seventeen people in total, with 14 students and 2 adults making up the group of those who are accounted for.

Superintendent Tony Hill, Northland District Commander, said this is a tragic incident, and that police will not be speculating on what has occurred while this incident is still unfolding.

“We ask media to consider their reporting at this time as to not make assumptions on what has occurred,” he said.

“Additionally, police note the family have requested privacy at this time. We ask media to respect their wish not to be contacted directly.”

Police will provide a further update when in a position to do so.

It comes as heavy rain and thunderstorms cause flash flooding and landslides across the upper North Island.

In Auckland, a State of Local Emergency was declared by Mayor Wayne Brown, who urged the city’s residents to stay away from floodwaters and open drains, and to follow the official advice of Auckland Emergency Management and Auckland Transport.

“This morning, at my request, the Deputy Mayor and I received an urgent phone briefing from Auckland Emergency Management Civil Defence,” the mayor said.

“After carefully considering the advice of the Duty Controller I have decided to declare a precautionary State of Local Emergency. The decision is based on the lessons we learned from the Auckland Anniversary floods.

“While I am assured that emergency services are coping with the volume of callouts at the moment, and that they do not require emergency powers, I consider it is necessary to communicate to the public that this is something to take seriously.

“As I am in Sydney on council business, I have delegated my responsibilities and powers to Desley Simpson, who is now Acting Mayor until I return.”

At approximately 12pm, with approval of the Mayor, Auckland Emergency Management issued a region-wide emergency mobile alert.

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