Search for missing 80-year-old Golden Bay woman suspended
The search for an 80-year-old woman who disappeared from Golden Bay nearly a month ago has been suspended.
Natalie Alexander-Browning was reported missing from her home in Pōhara on Monday, July 6.
Police earlier said evidence suggested Alexander-Browning had ”not made it back to land” after she was last seen entering the water at a nearby beach.
Nelson Search and Rescue incident controller Senior Constable Jonathan Fris said the decision to suspend the search followed a formal review.
“Police, along with assistance from Land Search and Rescue, the Department of Conservation, Surf Life Saving New Zealand, and Pest Free Onetahua, conducted an extensive search in the urban and coastal areas,” Fris said.
“Various local businesses and residents also helped with these searches.
“A formal review has been conducted, and the decision to formally suspend the search has been made.”
Natalie, 80, was reported missing from her Pōhara home on Monday, June 6.
Fris said Alexander-Browning was wearing a light pink fluffy Oodie and black Asics sneakers with white soles.
He encouraged anyone near the shoreline in Golden Bay to keep an eye out for Alexander-Browning’s clothing items.
“If you locate any of these items, please make a report through 105 and reference file number 260707/5962,” he said.
“Natalie’s family and Police extend their thanks and appreciation to those involved in the search, and to the Golden Bay community for their support.”
Natalie, 80, left her Pōhara home on foot about 8.30am on July 6.
Police confirmed in early July that the search had moved to a “limited search phase”.
“Once Police have thoroughly investigated the circumstances of a missing person and completed the available search tasks, it is normal to move into a limited search phase,” police said at the time.
Jazlyn Whales is a multimedia journalist based in the Christchurch newsroom.
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