Police have been out in large numbers across Christchurch today as teams work to locate and return Yanfei Bao to her family.

The investigation into the disappearance of Bao was escalated to a homicide investigation.

Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves said the Police National Dive Squad has been on the water in the Halswell River.

The squad has been assisted by Surf Lifesaving personnel throughout the operation, supporting Police as they search along the river’s banks in Inflatable Rescue Boats.

The Dive Squad is utilising sonar technology to search beneath the surface of the water and identify anything that may be of interest.

Police staff in New Brighton Road and Lake Terrace Road and in the suburb of Greenpark have been conducting grid searches of the area.

“We remain committed to finding Ms Bao and more people are expected to join the search today.”

Police Search and Rescue, LandSAR volunteers, Coastguard, Surf Lifesaving, Police Specialist Search Group, Police Dog Team, Garden City Helicopters and AREC (Amateur Radio Emergency Communications) are expected to be on the ground, water and in the sky tomorrow taking part in the search.

The helicopters will be assisting with an aerial search, predominantly of Lake Ellesmere.

The investigation team continues to be interested in hearing from members of the public that saw Ms Bao’s vehicle on the day she went missing, Wednesday
19 July.

Anyone who saw the silver Nissan Dualis after 12:30pm and before 10:45pm is urged to contact Police.

Information can be given to Police via 105, either by calling or going online
to https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105 using ‘Update Report’.

Please reference file number 230720/5911.