An American adventurer sailing around New Zealand has been reported missing after failing to contact his family for two months.

Sean D'Epagnier, 26, arrived in New Zealand from the United States in November and had been living on his sailboat Alexandra.

Detective Sergeant Linda Simpson said police were contacted by the US embassy this week after D'Epagnier's family became concerned by his lack of contact.

"His family last had contact with him in late May when he was in the Nelson area but have not heard from him since. Their growing concerns prompted them to make contact with the US embassy," she said.

Simpson said D'Epagnier had indicated to his family that he planned to head to the Fiordland area or to the Pacific Islands.
      
D'Epagnier is described as being about 1.75 metres tall, with blond hair, blue eyes and a full beard.

He has been travelling in a 40-year-old Bristol 8.2m sailboat that has solar panels and no engine.

Simpson urged anyone who had seen the sailboat recently or anyone who may know of D'Epagnier's whereabouts to contact police.

- © Fairfax NZ News

Comments