Family watch as car recovery continues

The parents of Leo Lippneighbours, who disappeared seven years ago, were among the onlookers as police continued the recovery of a submerged car at a Nelson wharf.

Colin Neighbours and Charlotte Lipp were behind the cordon at Wakefield Quay yesterday afternoon with friends of the Canterbury University student who vanished in Nelson on January 24, 2010.

Nelson Bays area commander Mat Arnold-kelly said it was a ‘‘distressing time’’ for Lippneighbours’ family as police worked to extract and identify the vehicle.

‘‘They’re on standby and they’re obviously awaiting further information.’’

The family was getting all the support that would normally be provided, Arnold-kelly said.

He said police were sorting through material removed from the submerged vehicle earlier yesterday at the Port Nelson wharf, searching for items of interest.

‘‘From what I’ve heard it (the car) kind of resembles a big barnacle,’’ Arnold-kelly said.

‘‘It’s obviously got a lot of sea life attached to it over the years.’’

Asked if police knew the identity of the vehicle, he said: ‘‘I’m not going into those details.’’

A boat is anchored next to the wharf to sift the material, and has a pulley and ropes ready to lift it.

It is unclear whether the vehicle will be brought to the surface or towed elsewhere.

Police have not confirmed any link to the orange Toyota Corolla station wagon Lipp-neighbours drove off in on the morning he disappeared, but have acknowledged it is a possibility.

The 19-year-old Canterbury University student was last seen leaving a friend’s Nelson flat at 4am.

He told friends he was going to be ‘‘at one with nature’’.

Despite countless searches by police, family and friends, no trace had been found of him or his distinctive orange Toyota Corolla wagon since.