18 Oct 2015

Missing man's body found near Riverton

2:32 pm on 18 October 2015

The body of a 23-year-old man has been found in the Jacobs River near the Southland town of Riverton.

Police said the man jumped from the Riverton Bridge into the mouth of the Jacobs River last night.

They were called to the area shortly after 10pm. A search and rescue team, including the coastguard, combed the area in and around the river, which leads out to Foveaux Strait.

The search was called off in the early hours this morning but resumed again at 7am.

Police said they could not comment on the cause of death, and the case has been referred to the coroner.

The man's family have asked for privacy, but would like to thank those who helped with the search.