Police suspend search for missing New Zealander [1]
Friday, April 22, 2016 - 12:37. Updated on Friday, April 22, 2016 - 12:39.
Tonga Police yesterday suspended a search for a New Zealand visitor Gregory Paul Reynolds (47), missing in Tongatapu since 8 April. The Police Commissioner said today they are satisfied there are no suspicious circumstances involved in his disappearance.
Police Commissioner Steve Caldwell said they have suspended the search on Thursday, 21 April, until any new information comes to hand.
Extensive land searches with the assistance of His Majesty’s Armed Forces and community volunteers, coastal searches using the police and search and rescue vessel, MV ‘Alotolu were carried out. In addition, media appeals to the public for sightings and a full police investigation had been unable to find Mr Reynolds, he said.
Mr Reynolds' parents and family flew into Tonga and met with the Tonga Police yesterday for a briefing on the search actions.
“After completing a full investigation police are satisfied there are no suspicious circumstances involved in Mr. Reynolds disappearance," said Commissioner Caldwell.
Mr Reynolds was a guest at the Liku’alofa Beach Resort on the western side of Tongatapu was last seen on the morning of Thursday, 7 April the same day as Tropical Cyclone Zena was in the region.
He was reported missing to the police on Friday, 8 April, when he failed to report for his courtesy van transfer to the airport.