Extensive search for missing man
Police have concerns for the safety of a Taranaki man who has been missing for more than a week.
On Saturday, 15 staff working in five teams made up of police and LandSAR volunteers conducted an extensive search of the North Taranaki coastline for Thomas Milsom, 41, who hasn’t been seen since September 29. Milsom’s car was found at the beach end of Epiha Rd, Motunui, north of Waitara, on Monday October 2.
Detective Sergeant Gerard Bouterey said Milsom was believed to be a surfer and police would like to hear from anyone who had located or found a surfboard along in the area.
‘‘There was nothing located with the vehicle, such as clothing, towel, board bag that would indicate he has gone surfing,’’ Bouterey said.
Milsom was in good spirits last time he was seen.
His phone hadn’t been used since he went missing and it was out of character for him not to have returned home or for nobody to have seen him, he said.
Police SAR co-ordinator Constable Craig O’Doherty said teams spent more than 10 hours searching more than 40 kilometres of coastline for any signs of Milsom on Saturday.
‘‘There are concerns for his welfare and safety,’’ O’Doherty said.
‘‘Given that [Epiha Rd] was the last known location of his vehicle and cellphone polling, we conducted a shoreline search from there to just past the White Cliffs and a general search of that area,’’ O’Doherty said.
On Friday a fixed-winged plane flew across the area but neither search had located any signs of Milsom, he said.
‘‘The CIB is still making inquiries to locate his whereabouts or possible movements.’’
Anyone with information can contact police on 06-7595500.