Search efforts are continuing this weekend for a Queenstown woman now missing for a fortnight.<\/p>\n
Erika Rodrigues Coelho, 47, has not been seen since Friday, September 18.<\/p>\n
Police were made aware of the Brazilian national\u2019s disappearance on September 20, and a search began with the help of Land Search and Rescue volunteers, Coastguard Queenstown, drones and a helicopter.<\/p>\n
Her rental vehicle, a white Toyota RAV4 with a black roof, registration RKM122, was found at Skippers Saddle. It is a lookout and trailhead, near the intersection of Coronet Peak Rd and Skippers Rd, about 15 minutes drive from Queenstown.<\/p>\n
In an update, police said there were several searches carried out on Saturday, including the use of an article search dog, and further\u00a0teams would continue looking for her on Sunday.<\/p>\n
\u201cPolice thank all those involved in the search so far, and to all those volunteers who have given up their time and shared their specialist skills and knowledge to search for Erika.\u201d<\/p>\n
Man in Mount\u00a0Dewar area sought<\/p>\n
Last week, Sergeant Terry Wood, of Queenstown,\u00a0asked\u00a0for the public\u2019s help to identify a man seen on the summit track in the Mount Dewar area, about 12.30pm on September 18, the day Erika disappeared.<\/p>\n
He was described as of \u201cAsian complexion, in his 30s, average-to-taller in height\u201d.<\/p>\n
Wood said the man, who may be a tourist, was\u00a0of slim build with short, dark hair and was\u00a0clean-shaven.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe would like to speak with him regarding our ongoing investigation for missing 47-year-old Erika Rodrigues Coelho near Queenstown.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite exhaustive efforts, the extensive search, which includes using a drone in a mountain pond near where her car was found, has failed to find the missing woman.<\/p>\n
Last week, Otago Lakes Central Area prevention manager, Senior Sergeant John Fookes, appealed for members of the public who had\u00a0seen Erika since September 18, or her white Toyota RAV4 that day, or the days leading up to it, to come forward, noting \u201ceven the smallest amount of information can make a huge difference\u201d.<\/p>\n
Any sightings of Erika should be reported via 111, otherwise people can contact police via 105, online (select \u2018Update Report\u2019), or by phone –\u00a0the reference number\u2019s\u00a0260921\/8173 –\u00a0or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers, 0800 555 111.<\/p>\n
– Additional reporting Allied Media\u00a0<\/p>\n
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