A search is underway after a man was swept down the Cass River while hiking in rugged alpine terrain near Arthur's Pass yesterday.
Police said the man and his friend were hiking the Cass-Lagoon Saddle track just after midday on Thursday.
"While attempting a river crossing the man has fallen and been swept downstream," said Detective Cam Ellis of Christchurch Police Search and Rescue.
The man's friend made it back to State Highway 73, where a concerned passerby stopped to help and called police.
He received minor injuries and was taken to Christchurch Hospital.
Ellis said police joined by dog units, land search and rescue teams, helicopters and North Canterbury conducted searches of the river and surrounding areas but had located no one.
Searches progressed into the night and resumed this morning, he added.
"I want to commend the hard work of all those involved in the search. Conditions are hazardous, and Land Search and Rescue volunteers along with police search teams are currently working through snow, flooded rivers, and an alpine environment to search for the missing man."
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