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Source: ONE News -
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Rescuers would like to hear from anyone who may know about a group of paddlers near the mouth of the Clutha River off the Otago coast in poor sea conditions.
Air and sea searches on Sunday evening have failed to turn up any sign of eight people reportedly seen in heavy seas on a dinghy and kayaks.
An eyewitness allegedly saw four kayaks and four people in a dinghy head out at about midday on Sunday at Kaka Point near the mouth of the Clutha River.
Weather and seas conditions were poor with strong winds and a heavy swell. A boat started searching soon after they were reported missing, but failed to find any trace of them, Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand spokesman Lindsay Sturt said.
Maritime New Zealand has been searching for most of the day. A helicopter, a plane along with coastguard vessel are currently searching for the group and will continue until at least nightfall.
However, there has been no evidence of a boating party and no reports of anyone missing or overdue.
"We're hoping they've actually come ashore safely, but we don't know that of course," says Sturt.
"We're just looking for information from anyone that might be able to tell us that these people are missing. We just haven't heard anything at all."
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Rescue Coordination Centre or their local police station.
Searchers will consider overnight how to approach the situation on Monday morning.
