Search Underway For Deaf Man

From: Xtra News, New Zealand - May 6, 2004

Deaf man Trent Bell, DOC worker missing in bush near Tutira, north of Napier - search underway

6 May 2004

A search is underway for a deaf man lost in a forest area north of Napier.

Trent Bell went missing while baiting possum traps for the Department of Conservation at Boundary Stream near Tutira yesterday.

Napier Senior Sergeant John Lovatt says the 24-year-old is profoundly deaf and only lightly clad.

A party of 15 search and rescue volunteers, police and DOC staff will begin the search shortly.

Mr Lovatt says the man has probably spent an uncomfortable night in the forest but they are not overly concerned for his safety at this stage.

© 2004 NZCity, IRN