2 Sep 2023

Mysterious 'help' sign: Search team stand down after no new information

4:01 pm on 2 September 2023
A 'help' sign was written in the sand on the shore of Lake Ahaura on the West Coast.

The message, right, found in the sand at Lake Ahaura. Photo: Supplied / NZ Police

Police say the search team looking into a mysterious 'help' sign scratched in the sand at a remote West Coast lake is standing down after no new information.

A helicopter flying over Lake Ahaura, east of Greymouth in deep bush, spotted the message recently.

Police have asked the public for any information about who wrote the sign.

"We are asking to hear from anyone who knows of parties having gone into that area recently," police said previously.

"We would also like to hear from anyone who may have written the message and who now (is) safe and well."

A helicopter was deployed this morning to the area but nothing of significance was found.

Police said they have also received no information that suggested anyone was in immediate danger.

Any information about the sign can still be shared on the 105 number, quoting event number P055875858, said police.