Man missing on West Coast for a week found ‘alive and well’

An experienced bushman has been found alive at a remote hut after he was reported missing on the West Coast.

Martin O’Brien, aged in his 60s, was reported missing on Tuesday after his family became concerned for his welfare when he did not return after stating he was going into the bush.

He was found “alive and well” at Jacko Flat Hut on Sunday, police said in a statement.

Searchers had extensively canvassed the West Coast looking for O’Brien’s vehicle since he was reported missing, the statement said.

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It was found on Friday near Bell Hill Rd, Moana.

West Coast Search and Rescue was then deployed, and the search was expanded further on Sunday when a hut book entry was noted in the Jacko Flat hut from O’Brien on Tuesday.

The hut is about 20km from where he had parked his vehicle.

Search teams went to the next hut along, Top Crooked hut, where another hut book entry indicated O’Brien was heading to Lake Morgan hut.

Lake Morgan hut was checked and he wasn’t there, nor was there a hut book entry.

A search team went back to Jacko Flat hut and found O’Brien alive and well, police said.

Senior Sergeant Mark Kirkwood said search teams went above and beyond as they looked for O’Brien.

“The area is very thick West Coast bush and the teams searched in over 25 degree heat to find Mr O’Brien.

“The teams did an awesome job.”

Those searching included LandSAR volunteers, including a search dog team, Kotuku Surf Lifesaving, police search and rescue, and Air West Helicopters from Reefton.